Results from the Teacher Test 2016 has been released and shows that around 95 per cent of new teachers have the proper literacy and numeracy skills to teach in Australian classrooms. 

More than 13,000 students studying to be new teachers took the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students to ensure that their literacy and numeracy skills are in the top 30 per cent in Australia. 

This has been an improvement from the Test in 2015, with an average of 92.6 per cent passing literacy in 2016 compared to 92 per cent, and 91 per cent passing numeracy element, compared to 90. The numbers jump to 95 per cent when the data is adjusted for students who sat the test more than once. 

“It’s clear that when nearly one in 20 initial teacher education students are not meeting the expected minimum level of literacy and numeracy skills, that the Test provides a level of quality-assurance for schools, principals and families,” Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said. 

Since the introduction of the Test in 2015, it has received positive feedback across the country as an evidence-based tool to improve student outcomes. 

“These results will also help higher education providers to ensure their courses meet public expectations and provide the necessary support for initial education students,” Minister Birmingham added.