In an Australian first, the learning growth of Year 9 students in Victoria and their success in NAPLAN testing is to be formally recognised with the introduction of Year 9 Certificates of Achievement.
Minister for Education, James Merlino announced that certificates would be awarded to Year 9 students who excelled in NAPLAN or significantly improved on their Year 7 results.
“The introduction of these new certificates is a game-changer,” Mr Merlino said, “for the first time giving equal importance to student learning gain, as well as the level of learning achieved.”
“This reflects the advice of many education experts who argue that student growth in learning is the most important measure of success,” he said.
“The new certificates will celebrate those who achieve the highest level and those who excel by making exceptional progress, irrespective of where they start.”
Mr Merlino said the introduction of the certificates was supported by the Minister’s Secondary School Principals’ Advisory Group, which has reported that Year 9’s become bored and disengaged with the NAPLAN test.
“The principals were also very strong advocates for the importance of recognising learning growth as well as attainment,” Mr Merlino said.
