As a result of recommendations in the review, from 2023 the test period was moved from May to March, with this year’s test window being Monday, March 13 to Monday, March 25.

Many experts have criticised the date change, and while it has been accepted more broadly, this year one group in particular have been put at a distinct disadvantage as a result.

The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy test for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 coincides with the beginning of Ramadan.

Observed by most of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims, the exact dates of the holy month of Ramadan depend on the sightings of the moon, which can vary from country to country, but here in Australia, this year’s month of fasting, worship, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development is expected to begin from between March 9-11 and conclude roughly around April 8-9.

With Muslims observing the holy month by fasting from dawn to sunset, leading researcher in Islamic studies and founding director of the University of South Australia’s Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE), Professor Mohamad Abdalla AM, says he’s hoping that educators can be culturally responsive in their teaching to better help students from diverse backgrounds.

“The scheduling of NAPLAN testing during the period between Ramadan and Eid festival (a three-day celebration of the end of the holy month of fasting) presents unique challenges for students within the Islamic community,” Abdalla tells MCERA.

“Fasting during Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset, can potentially impact students’ concentration, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

“Given the rigorous nature of standardised testing like NAPLAN, where focus and cognitive function are paramount, fasting may exacerbate feelings of fatigue and reduce students’ ability to perform at their best.”

Throughout his research titled Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and the Muslim Learner: Meaningful sources for optimal learning,  Abdalla and colleagues discuss the concept of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP), which ‘emphasises and respects students’ identities and backgrounds as meaningful sources for optimal learning’ and ‘embrace[s] and build on student identities and background as an asset for learning’.

Professor Abdalla, has authored and co-authored a range of books, including Curriculum Renewal for Islamic Education: Critical Perspectives on Teaching Islam in Primary and Secondary Schools and Islamic schooling in the West: Pathways to Renewal.

With NAPLAN, Abdalla says he hopes schools and governments will embrace the idealism of CRP to understand and better assist Muslim students during the testing period, acknowledging the ‘crucial role’ schools play during this period.

“Schools can offer flexibility in scheduling NAPLAN exams to accommodate students observing Ramadan, such as providing alternative testing times or allowing students to take breaks during the test if needed,” he says.

“Additionally, schools can create a supportive and inclusive environment by raising awareness among staff and students about the significance of Ramadan and the potential challenges faced by fasting students.

“Government entities can also provide guidance and resources to schools on best practices for accommodating religious observances during standardised testing periods, ensuring equitable access and support for all students.”

This is not the first time there has been an overlap of NAPLAN and Ramadan, which changes by 11 days every year.

Back in 2019, when Ramadan had coincided with the national literacy and numeracy tests for two years in a row, ACARA, which administers NAPLAN, developed guidelines to support students who observed the holy month.

The guidelines, which were developed in consultation with the Islamic Schools Association of Australia, stated that fasting students may be more tired than usual.

At the time, an ACARA spokesperson said NAPLAN testing dates were set well in advance and accommodated school term dates across Australia.

“As Ramadan’s commencement date changes each year and has a duration of one month, it may at times fall during NAPLAN,” he said.

Abdalla says he would like to see greater support and emphasis placed upon CRP for Muslim students from schools and government entities in the days leading up to the start of Ramadan.

“Proactive measures can be taken by students, parents, schools, and government entities to mitigate these challenges and ensure that Muslim students are adequately supported in undertaking the tests while observing their religious obligations,” he says.

“By fostering understanding, flexibility, and inclusivity, we can create an environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive academically, regardless of their religious beliefs or practices.

“Students may experience heightened stress and anxiety due to concerns about managing their fasting obligations alongside the demands of the test.”

In preparation for undertaking the NAPLAN test while fasting, Abdalla says Muslim students and their parents can implement several strategies.

“Parents can support their children by helping them establish healthy eating and sleeping routines and encouraging them to engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to manage stress,” he offers.