Arabic version: مدرسو تسمانيا يبدؤون حظر اختبار NAPLAN بسبب نزاع الأجور

Teachers at Tasmanian public schools have imposed a “total and indefinite” ban on NAPLAN testing, escalating their industrial action due to ongoing wage negotiations. According to ABC News, the Australian Education Union Tasmania stated that the testing adds unnecessary stress to both students and teachers.

The decision comes as the state government continues to negotiate pay and conditions for teaching assistants. The NAPLAN tests, which assess literacy and numeracy for students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9, are scheduled to take place from March 11 to March 23. However, the union has declared that its members will not administer any of the tests, do any preparation for the assessment, or cover any classes to help facilitate them.

David Genford, President of AEU Tasmania, emphasized that the ban aims to alleviate the workload crisis faced by teachers. He noted that the NAPLAN tests do not significantly benefit student learning and instead contribute to added pressure on educators and students alike.

The impact of this ban will vary by school, depending on union membership levels. Genford indicated that some schools might not have enough non-union staff to conduct the tests, potentially leading to many students not sitting for them at all.

The union’s actions are part of a broader strategy to push for improved pay and working conditions amidst stalled negotiations with the state government. Education Minister Jo Palmer expressed disappointment over the union’s decision, stating that the government’s priority remains minimizing disruption to student learning while seeking fair agreements through negotiations.