Exploring the Utilisation of NAPLAN Test Results: A Systematic Literature Review

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The study reveals several perspectives regarding the use of NAPLAN numeracy test results. It shows that most of the reviewed articles utilised the test results to map student progress and identify strengths and weaknesses in teaching. However, a significant number of studies used the test results for purposes beyond those mentioned by ACARA, indicating a deviation from the intended use of NAPLAN. The findings suggest that the test results were sometimes used as the sole indicator of students' learning outcomes, despite the recommendation that they should be considered alongside other sources of information. The study also suggests that there is a need to communicate the purposes of test results clearly to researchers, policymakers, and the community, in order to avoid unintended policy responses and the narrowing of the curriculum. The study acknowledges its limitations, such as focusing only on the numeracy aspect of NAPLAN and excluding non-peer-reviewed sources. It suggests that future research could explore other dimensions of NAPLAN results and include a broader range of publications. Overall, the paper emphasises the importance of standardised testing but cautions against relying too heavily on any one indicator and highlights the need for further research to compare the use of standardised test results across different countries.

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