NAPLAN 2024 Highlights Funding Inequity
Wednesday August 14 2024​
The Australian Secondary Principals' Association (ASPA) has today responded to the release of the 2024 NAPLAN results, calling for urgent funding reform to address the clear link between social disadvantage and student achievement.
ASPA President, Andy Mison, said that while the overall stability of the national results was pleasing, the data once again highlighted the urgent need to address systemic inequities in Australian education.
“We cannot ignore the clear correlation between socio-economic and socio-educational advantage levels and student achievement,” said Mr Mison. “These results are not a reflection of our hardworking teachers, but rather a symptom of a system that continues to disadvantage students based on their postcode and their parents’ income and education levels.”
Mr Mison cautioned against simplistic solutions and urged governments and commentators to resist the temptation to bash teachers or seek silver bullet fixes. “We need to address the underlying economic and social conditions that create these inequities,” he said. “This requires a whole-of-government approach, with serious investment and targeted support for disadvantaged schools and communities.”
ASPA reiterated its call for full funding of public schools to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) as the first step in addressing the achievement disparities evident in the NAPLAN data. “Fully funding our public schools is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Mr. Mison. “It’s the best way to ensure that every child in Australia has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background.”
ASPA called on state and territory governments to work with the Federal Government to deliver the necessary funding arrangements.
“Our children’s futures depend on it,” Mr. Mison concluded.
Media enquiries: Andy Mison 0400 202 088​
About ASPA:
The Australian Secondary Principals Association (ASPA) is the national peak body representing government secondary school leaders in every Australian state and territory.
