The National Assessment Program (NAP) is an important investment made by all Australian governments. It is an asset that helps measure the health of Australian school education. This report considers how the usefulness of the NAP can be enhanced to improve our evidence base about the successes and challenges of the Australian school system. 

This report considers the four National Assessment Program (NAP) assessments that measure literacy and numeracy:1 the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).