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Commencing in 2007, this project drew on the literacy assessment model designed for the ACER Longitudinal Literacy and Numeracy Study (LLANS). Best Start is a NSW government initiative to increase support for the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy for the youngest students in NSW schools. One of the three main components of Best Start is a statewide school entry assessment in literacy and numeracy. The first phase of the ACER project involved the modification of LLANS literacy assessment materials for use at the beginning of Term 1, 2008. Three thousand sets of the assessment materials were supplied, including a copy for the teachers who have conducted the assessments in approximately 430 identified schools, and a copy for each of the 1700 NSW DET schools with Kindergarten classes. In the second phase, ACER completed a detailed analysis of the responses of a random sample of students selected from the 430 schools using the Best Start literacy assessment in 2008, and a report was prepared for the NSW DET.

A second agreement from July 2008-June 2009 involved the development of a completely new school entry literacy assessment materials modelled on LLANS for use at the commencement of the 2009 school year.  A report has been prepared of the analysis of a raddom sample of students from 70 schools.

It is anticipated that a further agreement will be developed in July 2009 for the provision of Best Start literacy assessment materials for use in Term 1 2010. Refinements to the materials used in 2009 will be made where necessary. New items may be developed for an alternative picture story book to be selected by DET. An analysis of any new items would be undertaken following the assessment period, and a report written.

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