What Were the 2017-2021 NAPLAN Numeracy Errors?

I apologise for the radio silence. There are some very annoying people demanding that I be Dr. Jeckyll these days, and it is keeping me very busy. There is some Mr. Hyde stuff bubbling in the background, however, and there are a few other posts that I really really want to do. I’m working to create space. And, with the VCE exams under control,* I’m ready for another windmill.

One of the great problems with the NAPLAN numeracy tests, apart from the fact that they really suck, is that they are secret. ACARA has released the papers up to 2016 but nothing since. It is therefore difficult to determine, and thus to write about, the specific nonsense. This has been made all the harder since 2022; with NAPLAN now being online testlets (except for a few admirably Amishish schools), there are not even the papers floating around. I’ve been seeking to attack this secrecy in various ways, but have not had much luck (and have made some mistakes). This post is motivated by a new idea.

As the title indicates, I would like commenters to indicate any errors or absurdities of which they are aware on the 2017-2021 Numeracy tests. Of course most readers will not have access to any of these tests (and please do not post tests or questions here: ask me if you want to post links to papers or screenshots of questions). But, plenty of readers will have access to some of these tests. And, yes, I have already posted on a number of Y7 and Y9 questions: there may be nothing else from secondary school other than the background noise of nonsense. Still, many eyes make light work, and you guys may well spot something that I didn’t. And, there there are the Y3 and Y5 tests still unexplored.

For any proposed culprit questions, just indicate the year and year level and question number. I’ll then figure out what to do. Thank you.

*) Well, not entirely under control.