New Yorkers United for Kids

When a test simulation permission slip arrives from your child's school

Parents across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are reporting an odd new addition to the pile of school notices tucked into backpacks at the start of term: a permission slip asking for consent to take part in a "test simulation" activity. The wording can be vague, the purpose unclear, and the timeline tight, leaving many families wondering whether to sign, decline, or simply ignore the form.

In Australia, standardised testing has long been a flashpoint, most visibly through the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, known to most parents as NAPLAN. When a school introduces a dress rehearsal for high-stakes assessment, it raises fair questions about how much classroom time is being redirected toward preparing children for a test rather than for learning.

What a test simulation is and why schools use them

A test simulation, sometimes called a mock exam or practice run, is intended to familiarise students with the format, timing, and pressure of an upcoming assessment. Schools argue that rehearsals reduce anxiety and surface gaps in knowledge before the real thing. Teachers in Adelaide and Perth have explained that the simulations help identify students who may need extra support, particularly in literacy and numeracy.

The concern from many families is that these simulations often mirror the content and style of standardised tests tied to curriculum frameworks rather than to the broader Australian Curriculum. When the rehearsal looks a lot like the test itself, the line between preparation and teaching to the test begins to blur. Resources that examine common core standards content show how test-aligned material often shifts into everyday lessons, which is why parents across different school systems pay close attention to these practice runs.

Questions to ask before you sign the form

Signing a permission slip without reading it carefully is a habit many Australian parents admit to, especially during the busy first weeks of school in February. The form for a test simulation deserves a closer look. Ask the school whether the activity will count toward your child's grades, how long it will run, and whether participation is truly voluntary once the rest of the class is taking part.

It is also reasonable to ask who designed the simulation, whether it draws on questions from previous years, and how the results will be used. If the data feeds into school reporting on the My School website or internal performance metrics, that information should be disclosed. Parents in Hobart and Darwin have reported that some schools are reluctant to share the source material, which can be a red flag in itself.

Your rights under Australian education law

Each state and territory has its own Education Act, but a few common principles apply across the country. Parents have the right to make decisions about their child's education, including the right to withdraw their child from certain activities. In New South Wales, the Education Act 1990 sets out the responsibilities of parents and schools, while Victoria's Education and Training Reform Act 2006 covers similar ground for families in Melbourne and regional centres.

NAPLAN has a formal opt-out provision, and parents have used it successfully for years. If a test simulation is framed as preparation for NAPLAN or a state-based standardised assessment, the same logic should apply: you can decline without academic penalty. Documenting your decision in writing, whether by email or letter, creates a record that protects you if questions arise later.

Handling pressure and finding support

Pressure to sign can be subtle. A teacher might mention that the whole class is looking forward to the activity, or a school newsletter might frame participation as a way to support the school. Politely but firmly restating your position is appropriate, and offering to discuss the matter further in a meeting rather than over the schoolyard gate keeps things constructive.

Few parents want to feel like the lone voice questioning school policy. In suburban pockets of Brisbane and the inner west of Sydney, grassroots groups have formed to share information and coordinate responses to testing practices. Digital forums and local community centres also serve as meeting points, and a quick search of parent Facebook groups in your suburb will usually reveal whether others have already received the same permission slip. Sharing what each family learns from the school helps build a clearer picture of how widespread the simulations are.

If the school insists the activity is compulsory despite your written objection, you can escalate the matter to the principal or to the regional education office. Keeping a file of correspondence, including dates and names, strengthens your position. The aim is not confrontation but clarity, ensuring the school understands that informed consent is the standard you expect.

Practical steps to take this week

Records to gather before responding

Trust your instincts when a form feels rushed or vague. Australian parents have a long track record of engaging constructively with schools on assessment practices, and a careful response now sets a tone that respects both your child and the broader classroom community.

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