State struggles in NAPLAN testing

Of the 20 categories, Tasmania recorded the second-lowest result in 14 of the assessment areas of reading, persuasive writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation and numeracy.

More than 25,000 Tasmanian students from government, Catholic and independent schools in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 take part in the test. The schools are ranked according to the percentage of students who test at or above the national minimum standards.

Of the 20 categories, Tasmanian students recorded an improvement in 10 sections compared with the 2012 results, with 10 categories recording a decline.

Education Minister Nick McKim highlighted the state's strong performance across all four grades in the reading section - all of which recorded an improvement over the past year.

“An analysis of any set of results reveals areas where we are doing well and those where we need to re-focus our energy," Mr McKim said.

“Over the last two years there has been an enormous effort at a system and school level to improve the literacy and numeracy outcomes of Tasmanian students.

"Our teachers, principals and support staff deserve much credit for their commitment to this task.

“Since 2011, the percentage of students achieving minimum national standards has increased in 14 of the 20 assessment areas.

"Compared to last year, the percentage of students achieving minimum national standards increased in 10 of the 20 assessment areas - which represents a consolidation in progress made."

THE RESULTS 

Tasmania's national ranking out of eight states/territories

Year 3 

Reading 5th

Persuasive writing 5th

Spelling 7th

Grammar/Punctuation 6th

Numeracy 5th

Year 5

Reading 7th

Persuasive Writing 7th

Spelling 7th

Grammar/Punctuation 7th

Numeracy 6th

Year 7

Reading 4th

Persuasive Writing 7th

Spelling 7th

Grammar/Punctuation 7th

Numeracy equal 6th (2nd last)

Year 9

Reading 7th

Persuasive Writing 7th

Spelling 7th

Grammar/Punctuation 7th

Numeracy 7th