Muslim educators in Australia have criticized the scheduling of NAPLAN exams during Ramadan, arguing it disadvantages fasting students and undermines inclusivity, Australian media network ABC News reported
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a standardized test in Australia that assesses students’ skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy.
For the second year in a row, the tests coincide with the holy month, where students abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, affecting energy levels and concentration.
Education authorities have advised schools to hold exams in the morning to support students. However, educators argue that the responsibility should not fall on schools.
Concerns are set to grow next year when Eid al-Fitr may clash with testing, highlighting ongoing challenges in accommodating religious diversity in education.
