Tasmania a leader in final school standard

According to the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority, a minimum standard of understanding in literacy, numeracy, computer use and the internet has been compulsory for students to demonstrate before they could receive their Tasmanian Certificate of Education since 2009.

Authority chief executive officer Reg Allan said yesterday the state had shown improvements in TCE results since the minimum standards were introduced.

His comments come following a report that the West Australian government would be the first in the nation to introduce minimum literacy and numeracy standards for year 10 students from next year.

Those who fail will get extra support for the remainder of their time at school and the opportunity to sit the test again.

"We've been there and done that," Dr Allan said.

"I think Queensland actually introduced something the year before we did and New South Wales has been doing basic skills testing for some time, so this is not new."

Dr Allan said the authority announced in 2007 that it would introduce the minimum standards for those wanting to attain their TCE. However, in Tasmania it has been referred to as attaining an "everyday adult" skill set.

This could be attained through schools, colleges or a vocational education and training program; and instead of testing, which West Australian students are set to undertake, students here have demonstrated their skills through a variety of ways such as essays or projects.

Dr Allan said it was expected that students struggling to meet the minimum standard across all areas would be identified and helped through in the process of their schoolwork.