The SMH welcomes a national test for Year 1 students, arguing that tests will ensure problems can be identified early and addressed in good time.
The SMH explains the battle over different approaches to language teaching: should children sound out each letter of a word, learn to combine them, and discover reading that way? Or should they use clues from the context, pictures and hints in the shape and initial letter of the word to reach the same objective?
Minister Birmingham released a report recommending that all Year 1 students in Australia complete a phonics test.
The paper explains that under Senator Birmingham's plan, children will be assessed about halfway through year 1 for their reading and numerical ability. A standardised national assessment conducted one-to-one by teachers to gauge each pupil's level of understanding will thus provide baseline data from which to measure their progress and identify problems - not just of individual children, but also of schools, systems and regions.
The SMH points out that the year 3 NAPLAN test is too late to find a child needs help and tests in year 1 ensure problems can be identified early and addressed in good time.
