Year 1 numeracy checks to be introduced in all schools across 窪蹋勛圖
All Year 1 students will undergo a numeracy check from 2026, following a trial this year that found more than 60% of students were mathematically vulnerable.
The trial rolled out in 95 public schools (with 7,000 students) identified significant numbers of students struggled with place value understanding and multiplication and division. Without intervention, these students could experience difficulties in progressing through the curriculum.
The trial was introduced at the beginning of this year, first in 4 schools, and then a call-out for other schools, that resulted in almost 100 schools taking part in the wider trial.
The numeracy check is a similar concept to the phonics check introduced in 2017. The first phonics results in 2018 found that, out of almost 6,000 students that took part, 58% did not meet the expected achievement.
The introduction of the phonics check has seen literacy improve by 28 percentage points since the first check began. This year, 71% of year 1 students met or exceeded expectations, which requires them to correctly decode 28 or more words out of 40.
It is hoped the introduction of the numeracy check will lead to the same positive results for students.
Modbury South School Principal Denise Squire said, here at Modbury South, we are focused on developing lifelong learners, which is why we volunteered to be part of the pilot for this screening program.
It not only provided a really clear indication of what the student can or cant do in terms of mathematics, but in the one-on-one process, it enables the teacher to gain a deeper understanding of each child as a mathematical learner.
Having the opportunity to build an individual relationship with each student, while exploring how they learn, helps a teacher support them in their learning moving forward. This screening tool was very clear and nothing was left to chance, Squire said.
Each educator was provided with a specially designed kit containing interactive props such as coins, or visual cards to test their students basic mathematical skills and understanding. Using the kit, educators interview each student to assess their mathematical thinking. This information supports teachers to build on students developing mathematical knowledge.
The rollout of the numeracy check comes as the State Government continues its focus on improving mathematics skills of young 窪蹋勛圖ns, particularly through the new SA curriculum.
Mathematics has been a priority area in the development of curriculum, with students guided on how to apply their learning to real word situations and to think mathematically both at school and throughout their lives this will help foster a love of mathematics and support students in the skills they need.
There has also been a dedicated numeracy team established in the department to lead mathematics improvement work, including the numeracy check, professional development and curriculum work.
There is also an emphasis on financial literacy so students can learn about budgeting, make sound financial decisions, identify scams, and understand consumer rights critical knowledge and skills for everyday life.
An annual Numeracy Summit has also been introduced, held for the first time last year, that saw over 1,000 school leaders and mathematics coordinators come together to hear from numeracy and maths experts from around the world to improve teaching in schools.
Results from the trial interviews have been reviewed in conjunction with Monash University Associate Professor Ann Gervasoni, leading to the decision to screening test at an earlier level year 1 instead of years 3 and 4. The test helps identify students who are struggling, and provides opportunities for intervention at an earlier point in a students learning.
The trial also identified that student cohorts who: have a disability, are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, use English as an additional language, or are Aboriginal had higher levels of mathematical vulnerability.
The statewide numeracy check will begin with all year 1 teachers being provided with face-to-face training next year, so the one-on-one student assessment interview can take place in 2026.
