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Media Release
Most students hit the mark for literacy and numeracy10 March 2006 The majority of Australian students in Years 3, 5 and 7 have met the national benchmarks for reading, writing and numeracy in 2004. Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop welcomed the national literacy and numeracy benchmark results released today, but noted that the results for Indigenous students remain a concern. The results were compiled from standardised assessments conducted by State and Territory testing authorities across the country. “The results show 93 % of Year 3 students met the reading and writing benchmarks and 94 % met the numeracy benchmarks. However, in comparison, 83% of Year 3 Indigenous students met the reading benchmark, 77% met the writing benchmark and 79% met the numeracy benchmark,” Ms Bishop said. “It is encouraging to note that these are the best ever results for Indigenous students in 6 of the 9 national literacy and numeracy benchmarks in Years 3, 5 and 7. “There is, however, a significant gap between the results of Indigenous students and those of other students and more work is required to improve numeracy and literacy for Indigenous students.” Ms Bishop said the Australian Government funds a range of programmes specifically aimed at improving the outcomes of Indigenous students under the Indigenous Education Programme. These include teacher professional development projects such as Dare to Lead and Scaffolding Literacy. “The results also highlight literacy among boys as a concern, with fewer boys achieving the reading and writing benchmarks than girls. The Government is committed to supporting boys’ education through the Boys’ Education Lighthouse Schools (BELS) programme and the new Success for Boys initiative,” said Ms Bishop. Ms Bishop also noted that only 79% of Year 3 students in very remote areas met the reading benchmark. “The Country Areas Programme will provide funding of $117 million over 2005-2008 to help schools and school communities assist geographically isolated students,” Ms Bishop said. For further information and the full report, go to: http://www.mceetya.edu.au
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