NAPLAN tests will kick off for 1 million students today, but is it possible to opt out?

Some children get very stressed at NAPLAN time and some parents would be happy to see the end of the annual tests.

The Queensland Teachers Union has even encouraged its members to withdraw their own children from the test as part of its campaign to abolish it.

But the federal government and national assessment authority say the data is more vital than ever because last year’s test was cancelled due to COVID-19.

So what is NAPLAN, why is there controversy surrounding it, and is it actually possible to opt out of it?

What is NAPLAN, and why is my child being tested?

NAPLAN is a series of tests designed to measure year three, five, seven and nine students’ progress in literacy and numeracy.

The tests, which take between 40 and 65 minutes each, start today and run until Thursday.

The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), a federal statutory authority that administers the tests and uses the data to provide information to parents and the government, says all children should be encouraged to participate.

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“NAPLAN provides information about how well students are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy,” a spokesperson said.

“With the cancellation of NAPLAN last year and the interruption of schooling because of COVID, the community is eager for information about the impact on learning in literacy and numeracy and the effectiveness of remote teaching and learning.

“The tests support the monitoring and evaluation of the performance of our education system in these fundamental capabilities.”

The federal government considers the NAPLAN system an invaluable tool for parents and an accountability measure for schools.

“We must protect NAPLAN and not give in to those who call for less accountability and less information for teachers and parents,” Education Minister Alan Tudge said on March 11.

“At the same time, we will continue to refine the NAPLAN tests to ensure they are optimised to provide the information that schools, teachers, parents and policymakers need to lift school standards.”

Why is NAPLAN controversial?

Teachers’ unions are especially opposed to NAPLAN because the data is collated on the My School website, which allows parents to compare the performance of schools in their area.

More recently though, NSW’s Coalition state government has led a push to replace NAPLAN with a new test called ANSA that it says would be more useful in identifying where students need extra support.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 5 minutes 16 seconds5m Some states are backing plans for a new test to replace NAPLAN.(Conor Duffy)

This test would happen at the start of the year and return results to teachers much more quickly.

Currently the NAPLAN test happens in May, with the results not back until September, meaning they are of limited use to teachers in that school year.

The federal government is in favour of keeping NAPLAN and says with the test going fully online next year teachers will get the results much quicker.

But some parents oppose standardised testing for other reasons, such as it being stressful for their children.

Can I withdraw my child from NAPLAN?

Yes, you can.

There are three ways a student can avoid the test: a withdrawal, an exemption, or being absent on the day.

To withdraw your child from NAPLAN, you need to write and sign a letter to your school’s principal prior to today’s test.

According to the latest rules setting up how NAPLAN runs: “Withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing.”

Teachers’ unions are opposed to NAPLAN, but the federal government is in favour of keeping the test.(

ABC News: Elise Pianegonda

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Principals must record this information and keep a record of how many students withdraw.

There’s no penalty for withdrawing your child from the exam. Their annual report will simply read: “Your child was withdrawn from this test.”

However, the number of students sitting the exam could impact the overall score for your child’s school. With federal funding tied partly to the literacy component of the test, that could mean fewer dollars on campus.

In independent schools, where power is devolved to principals and individual schools can be more autonomous, the rules might be different.

What are the categories for exemption?

These are much narrower.

Students are exempt on the grounds of English language proficiency or disability.

The principal and parents have to try to find an adjustment to make the assessment fair for the student.

If that can’t happen, the parent must also send a signed letter to the school setting out their reason.

The exemption must be recorded with the school.

What if my child is sick on the day?

Absences for illness are allowed too.

However, principals are encouraged to have the student still sit the test in a catch-up session if they return to class the week of the NAPLAN tests.

There have long been allegations some schools encourage underperforming students to be absent on the test days, but that’s not allowed under the rules, which label that practice “unacceptable”.

NAPLAN testing is especially important this year to measure the impact COVID had on learning, ACARA says.(

Supplied: Dyslexia Mid North Coast, File photo

) Why haven’t I heard about the withdrawal process?

The NAPLAN protocol doesn’t require principals to inform parents they can withdraw their children.

They do have to discuss and plan for the exemption category, but not for withdrawing based on religious or philosophical grounds.

Because of this, many parents may not realise it’s possible to opt out of the exams.

But even though there’s no penalty for withdrawing from the tests, ACARA says students should not fear the NAPLAN and, in fact, be encouraged to take it on.

“All students in years three, five, seven and nine are expected to sit the NAPLAN tests, although exemptions may be granted in specific circumstances, and only after discussion between the school and the parents,” its spokesperson said.

“All students are encouraged to participate in NAPLAN.”