Testing periods like NAPLAN can bring added stress for both students and educators.
Each year over one million students in years 3, 5, and 7 across Australia undergo three days of NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy) testing.
NAPLAN is designed to offer insights that assist educators in making informed professional judgments about student progress. Although it provides important information, the testing process can create additional pressures for educators, students, families, and carers within the learning community.
Creating a safe and supportive environment for children and young people is important for their mental health and wellbeing, and how they feel going into the NAPLAN tests.
You may observe behavioural changes amongst your colleagues and students. It’s important to recognise how this time of the year may impact your personal mental health and wellbeing and that of your colleagues.
While stress can be a normal response to the demands of work, prolonged or excessive stress is not good for anyone.
During NAPLAN some educators may experience:
- Increased time pressures and workload in supporting staff, students and families.
- Heightened tension amongst colleagues due to pressures to perform.
Recognising these additional sources of pressure during the NAPLAN testing period, can be easier to support yourself and your colleagues, students and the broader learning community.
Children read on a computer screen
What strategies can be implemented to support learning communities?
Wellbeing strategies should be a priority throughout the year, but the NAPLAN period offers a chance to reassess, strengthen, or introduce new wellbeing practices.
For educators:
- Foster a help-seeking culture where help-seeking is encouraged and supported.
- Incorporate daily wellbeing practices periodically, stretch, practice deep breathing to provide to refresh
- Circulate and download Be You Educator Wellbeing resources to help staff build their sense of self-efficacy
- Provide staff with the contact details of your Employee Assistance Provider (EAP).
For students:
- Normalise the experience, let students know that it’s normal to feel nervous before a test.
- Provide a supportive environment where students feel comfortable in asking questions or expressing their concerns.
- Remind students that NAPLAN is just one of the many ways to demonstrate their learnings.
- Promote a culture that encourages and supports seeking-help.
Not sure of your next steps? Contact your Be You Consultant today.
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