Calls have reignited for NAPLAN to be scrapped, as thousands of students take part in the controversial testing regime this week.

The Queensland Teachers’ Union were the first to hit out, arguing it is no longer fit for purpose. They claim many members are being made to teach the test, with results used to gauge performance.

Speaking with Oliver Peterson, Union president Cresta Richardson said they’re encouraging their members to withdraw the kids from NAPLAN.

“NAPLAN isn’t a mandatory test, so we’ve had a long standing opposition to the test in it’s current form,” she said.

“It’s been around for 12 year with no real review or change.

“The QLD Teachers’ Union is advocating for a more fit for purpose test that support teachers to support students.”

Ms Richardson said preparing for NAPLAN testing is taking time away from the learning the curriculum.

“Any time taken away from that is a distraction.”

Western Australian teachers are part of the wider group asking for the Federal government to scrap the test and develop a new assessment based on sample testing. Ms Richardson said it “has to have the voice of the teaching profession” involved.

Students in 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be back sitting for the tests from tomorrow, after it was cancelled last year due to COVID.

Press PLAY to hear the argument for scrapping NAPLAN: