The Experience of Education: The impacts of high stakes testing on school students and their families

The Whitlam Institute, along with our project partners, the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and the Foundation for Young Australians is embarking on a significant, longer-term research project which examines the impacts of high stakes testing (such as NAPLAN) on school students and their families.

As high stakes testing becomes more deeply embedded in the education system it is important that we understand what the impacts are on students, not only in terms of curriculum and learning but also with regards to students' health and well-being.

Is the regime of high stakes testing throughout the school years in the best interests of the students?

The research raises critical questions about the purpose of education in Australia.

First Report: Review of existing International & Australian research

This new report canvasses the existing research on high stakes testing. What emerges consistently in the international research are serious concerns regarding the impact of high stakes testing on student health and well-being, learning, teaching and curriculum. Although much of the literature is focussed on the USA and the UK, the consistency of these findings raises legitimate questions and deep concern regarding the Australian experience.

The literature review highlights the need for further research in Australia.