The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is an independent statutory authority that will improve the learning of all young Australians through world-class school curriculum, assessment and reporting.
ACARA was established under an act of federal parliament on 8 December 2008 and became operational in mid 2009. ACARA receives direction from the Education Council (previously known as SCSEEC). Through the Education Council, all state, territory and federal ministers of education agree on ACARA’s work plan and set a common direction for the National Assessment Program (NAP).
ACARA’s work sits around the three pillars of curriculum, assessment and reporting for school education between Foundation* and Year 12. This work is carried out in close consultation and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including teachers, principals, governments, state and territory education authorities, professional education associations, community groups and the general public.
Curriculum: ACARA takes a national approach to education through developing and implementing a robust and comprehensive national curriculum. Visit the Australian Curriculum website for more information.
Assessment: ACARA runs the National Assessment Program – the national tests students sit in school – including NAPLAN. We undertake a range of research activities to deliver NAPLAN tests in an online environment in the future.
Reporting: ACARA is responsible for collecting and publishing information on My School about the performance and resources of just over 10,000 schools and campuses around the country. We publish a range of reports, including the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) national report.
*The term Foundation Year is used as a nationally consistent term for the year of schooling prior to Year 1. It does not replace the equivalent terms used in states and territories – Kindergarten (NSW/ACT), Prep (Qld/Vic/Tas), Pre-primary (WA), Reception (SA) and Transition (NT).