Students who did not meet the 2007 national minimum benchmarks in literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy in years 3, 5, and 7 are eligible to receive tuition under An Even Start - National Tuition Program.
The results of the state-based literacy and numeracy testing in 2007 for children in years 3, 5 and 7 will indicate if a child did not meet the national benchmarks. Parents and caregivers will have received a report of their child’s results against the national literacy and numeracy benchmarks during 2007.
Where students were absent or withdrawn from the 2007 year 3, 5 or 7 national literacy or numeracy benchmark assessments due to exceptional circumstances, their eligibility may be considered according to section 2.2 of the Program Guidelines. Exceptional circumstances could include, but are not limited to, extensive absences from school due to a medical condition or family circumstance. This only applies where the principal can demonstrate that a student would not have achieved the national benchmark had he or she sat the assessment.
In 2007, the reporting of national benchmarks included two aspects of literacy – reading and writing – plus numeracy. If a child was below more than one national benchmark, a decision about what type of tuition would be of most benefit to that child should be made by parents/caregivers in consultation with their child’s school.
Schools have notified parents and caregivers of their child’s results against the national literacy and numeracy benchmarks.
If a student was below the national benchmark in literacy or numeracy in 2007 he/she is eligible for tuition. Children who were formally exempted from the test in 2007 are also eligible to receive this help.