A student teacher sought assistance after struggling with the maths part of her obligatory exam, echoing the challenges many of her peers faced.

Celeste Healey, 26, is on her journey to becoming a teacher but is confronted with the possibility of delaying her studies due to the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).

New research reveals students are facing panic attacks and financial loss due to a mandatory teacher qualification test. Image source: TikTok (@chelestee)/Pixabay

‘Obviously, we’re so in demand for teachers. But guys, I can’t pass the LANTITE numeracy test,’ she voiced on social media, seeking guidance and support: ‘Please help me.’

Every Australian teacher must pass the test's numeracy and literacy sections before they are allowed to graduate and begin teaching in a classroom.

What is LANTITE?

LANTITE tests teacher-students literacy and numeracy skills, requiring them to place in the top 30 per cent of adults. Each test attempt costs $198.

Those already enrolled in their studies receive three chances to pass the test.

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, there are pilot changes to LANTITE—allowing more test attempts and providing better feedback for those who don't pass to attract and retain more teachers.

In 2021, about 93 per cent of test-takers cleared the literacy and numeracy components after attempting the test one to three times. No clear data specifies how many passed on their initial attempt.

Although many teachers don't often use maths equations and algebra in their roles, the numeracy test presents complex maths problems that challenge numerous test-takers.

A CQUniversity psychologist believes LANTITE test failures stem more from student stress and testing unfamiliarity than knowledge gaps. Video: TikTok (@chelestee)​

‘I literally dropped out of maths in year 9 and I haven’t been able to comprehend algebra and all the equations since,’ Ms Healey shared in her video.

Ms Healey's struggles with the numeracy part of the test resonate with many. Hundreds of teachers have taken to the comments to share their experiences and offer their support.

‘Me, I'm literally taking 6 months off my course so I can just focus and study and learn how to do math again,’ one person wrote.

‘I was the same. I got an online tutor! I passed with flying colours,’ another shared with advice.

‘You might have maths anxiety! Look it up, I struggled with it for years. I passed using coping strategies and having a growth mindset!’ a third person reflected on their journey.

Could you pass the numeracy component?

Scroll further to see sample numeracy questions from the Australia Council for Educational Research (ACER), the body overseeing LANTITE's administration.

Please refer to this image for questions 1 and 2.

Question 1:
A Government primary school employed 40 teachers in 1980. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of students enrolled at the school in 1980?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 808 because the table shows that in Government primary schools in 1980, the ratio was 20.2 students to each teacher. For 40 teachers, 20.2 is multiplied by 40 to give the number of students, 808.

Question 2:
A Catholic secondary school had a total enrolment of 1098 students in 2021. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of teachers at the school in 2021?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 90 because the table shows that in 2021 Catholic secondary schools had a ratio of 12.2 students to each teacher. For 1098 students, 1098 is divided by 12.2 to give the number of teachers, 90.

Key Takeaways

• A student teacher, Celeste Healey, has publicly shared her struggle to pass the numeracy part of the mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
• Regardless of the subjects they will be teaching, every Australian teacher must pass both the numeracy and literacy components of the test before they can graduate and start teaching.
• The LANTITE test costs $198 each time it is taken and is currently trialling two changes to allow for more test attempts and increased feedback for those who fail.
• Other teachers and students empathised with Ms Healey's struggle in the comments of her video, sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

Members, how did you handle the two practice questions provided? Were they easy or a bit challenging for you? Share your responses in the comments below!

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Clearly demonstrates how far standards have slipped since my days in a 30+ classroom 60 years ago.

 

[lJO]

Easy, my severely dyslexic grandson in year six would have no problem with these math problems

 

[Phil_Byrne]

The maths were no problem at all but the numbers of students per teacher were staggering. In the 90's I had at least 30 children in my classes. Times do change.

 

[Mark K]

If you click on the word "sample" in the article above it takes you to a sample test of 20 questions which includes the 2 questions shown in the article above. None of the 20 questions in the linked sample required any more than the most basic of calculations, and there was nothing complicated or difficult in any of it. Rather than lack of ability to do the maths, I suspect that most of any difficulty came from of lack of literacy in the form of not understanding either the information provided, or the question asked, and therefore not knowing what simple calculation to perform. Some of them didn't even require a calculation since the answer was in the question.

It would seem to me that if they couldn't pass that test I wouldn't want them teaching the young folk today.

 

[NomadNanna]

A student teacher sought assistance after struggling with the maths part of her obligatory exam, echoing the challenges many of her peers faced.

Celeste Healey, 26, is on her journey to becoming a teacher but is confronted with the possibility of delaying her studies due to the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).

View attachment 32315

New research reveals students are facing panic attacks and financial loss due to a mandatory teacher qualification test. Image source: TikTok (@chelestee)/Pixabay

‘Obviously, we’re so in demand for teachers. But guys, I can’t pass the LANTITE numeracy test,’ she voiced on social media, seeking guidance and support: ‘Please help me.’

Every Australian teacher must pass the test's numeracy and literacy sections before they are allowed to graduate and begin teaching in a classroom.

What is LANTITE?

LANTITE tests teacher-students literacy and numeracy skills, requiring them to place in the top 30 per cent of adults. Each test attempt costs $198.

Those already enrolled in their studies receive three chances to pass the test.

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, there are pilot changes to LANTITE—allowing more test attempts and providing better feedback for those who don't pass to attract and retain more teachers.

In 2021, about 93 per cent of test-takers cleared the literacy and numeracy components after attempting the test one to three times. No clear data specifies how many passed on their initial attempt.

Although many teachers don't often use maths equations and algebra in their roles, the numeracy test presents complex maths problems that challenge numerous test-takers.

A CQUniversity psychologist believes LANTITE test failures stem more from student stress and testing unfamiliarity than knowledge gaps. Video: TikTok (@chelestee)​

‘I literally dropped out of maths in year 9 and I haven’t been able to comprehend algebra and all the equations since,’ Ms Healey shared in her video.

Ms Healey's struggles with the numeracy part of the test resonate with many. Hundreds of teachers have taken to the comments to share their experiences and offer their support.

‘Me, I'm literally taking 6 months off my course so I can just focus and study and learn how to do math again,’ one person wrote.

‘I was the same. I got an online tutor! I passed with flying colours,’ another shared with advice.

‘You might have maths anxiety! Look it up, I struggled with it for years. I passed using coping strategies and having a growth mindset!’ a third person reflected on their journey.

Could you pass the numeracy component?

Scroll further to see sample numeracy questions from the Australia Council for Educational Research (ACER), the body overseeing LANTITE's administration.

View attachment 32323

Please refer to this image for questions 1 and 2.

Question 1:
A Government primary school employed 40 teachers in 1980. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of students enrolled at the school in 1980?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 808 because the table shows that in Government primary schools in 1980, the ratio was 20.2 students to each teacher. For 40 teachers, 20.2 is multiplied by 40 to give the number of students, 808.

Question 2:
A Catholic secondary school had a total enrolment of 1098 students in 2021. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of teachers at the school in 2021?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 90 because the table shows that in 2021 Catholic secondary schools had a ratio of 12.2 students to each teacher. For 1098 students, 1098 is divided by 12.2 to give the number of teachers, 90.

Key Takeaways

• A student teacher, Celeste Healey, has publicly shared her struggle to pass the numeracy part of the mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
• Regardless of the subjects they will be teaching, every Australian teacher must pass both the numeracy and literacy components of the test before they can graduate and start teaching.
• The LANTITE test costs $198 each time it is taken and is currently trialling two changes to allow for more test attempts and increased feedback for those who fail.
• Other teachers and students empathised with Ms Healey's struggle in the comments of her video, sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

Members, how did you handle the two practice questions provided? Were they easy or a bit challenging for you? Share your responses in the comments below!

Easy. Simple maths and actually reading the question.

 

[GOM1983]

So easy - thought it might have been a trick question. Nothing to do with algebra or equations. Just basic mathematics. Perhaps the question had more to do with literacy than numeracy. In other words, understanding the question?

 

[goatwhisperer]

A student teacher sought assistance after struggling with the maths part of her obligatory exam, echoing the challenges many of her peers faced.

Celeste Healey, 26, is on her journey to becoming a teacher but is confronted with the possibility of delaying her studies due to the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).

View attachment 32315

New research reveals students are facing panic attacks and financial loss due to a mandatory teacher qualification test. Image source: TikTok (@chelestee)/Pixabay

‘Obviously, we’re so in demand for teachers. But guys, I can’t pass the LANTITE numeracy test,’ she voiced on social media, seeking guidance and support: ‘Please help me.’

Every Australian teacher must pass the test's numeracy and literacy sections before they are allowed to graduate and begin teaching in a classroom.

What is LANTITE?

LANTITE tests teacher-students literacy and numeracy skills, requiring them to place in the top 30 per cent of adults. Each test attempt costs $198.

Those already enrolled in their studies receive three chances to pass the test.

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, there are pilot changes to LANTITE—allowing more test attempts and providing better feedback for those who don't pass to attract and retain more teachers.

In 2021, about 93 per cent of test-takers cleared the literacy and numeracy components after attempting the test one to three times. No clear data specifies how many passed on their initial attempt.

Although many teachers don't often use maths equations and algebra in their roles, the numeracy test presents complex maths problems that challenge numerous test-takers.

A CQUniversity psychologist believes LANTITE test failures stem more from student stress and testing unfamiliarity than knowledge gaps. Video: TikTok (@chelestee)​

‘I literally dropped out of maths in year 9 and I haven’t been able to comprehend algebra and all the equations since,’ Ms Healey shared in her video.

Ms Healey's struggles with the numeracy part of the test resonate with many. Hundreds of teachers have taken to the comments to share their experiences and offer their support.

‘Me, I'm literally taking 6 months off my course so I can just focus and study and learn how to do math again,’ one person wrote.

‘I was the same. I got an online tutor! I passed with flying colours,’ another shared with advice.

‘You might have maths anxiety! Look it up, I struggled with it for years. I passed using coping strategies and having a growth mindset!’ a third person reflected on their journey.

Could you pass the numeracy component?

Scroll further to see sample numeracy questions from the Australia Council for Educational Research (ACER), the body overseeing LANTITE's administration.

View attachment 32323

Please refer to this image for questions 1 and 2.

Question 1:
A Government primary school employed 40 teachers in 1980. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of students enrolled at the school in 1980?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 808 because the table shows that in Government primary schools in 1980, the ratio was 20.2 students to each teacher. For 40 teachers, 20.2 is multiplied by 40 to give the number of students, 808.

Question 2:
A Catholic secondary school had a total enrolment of 1098 students in 2021. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of teachers at the school in 2021?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 90 because the table shows that in 2021 Catholic secondary schools had a ratio of 12.2 students to each teacher. For 1098 students, 1098 is divided by 12.2 to give the number of teachers, 90.

Key Takeaways

• A student teacher, Celeste Healey, has publicly shared her struggle to pass the numeracy part of the mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
• Regardless of the subjects they will be teaching, every Australian teacher must pass both the numeracy and literacy components of the test before they can graduate and start teaching.
• The LANTITE test costs $198 each time it is taken and is currently trialling two changes to allow for more test attempts and increased feedback for those who fail.
• Other teachers and students empathised with Ms Healey's struggle in the comments of her video, sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

Members, how did you handle the two practice questions provided? Were they easy or a bit challenging for you? Share your responses in the comments below!

Nothing difficult with that! Simple multiplication and division!

 

[kimpeth]

A student teacher sought assistance after struggling with the maths part of her obligatory exam, echoing the challenges many of her peers faced.

Celeste Healey, 26, is on her journey to becoming a teacher but is confronted with the possibility of delaying her studies due to the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).

View attachment 32315

New research reveals students are facing panic attacks and financial loss due to a mandatory teacher qualification test. Image source: TikTok (@chelestee)/Pixabay

‘Obviously, we’re so in demand for teachers. But guys, I can’t pass the LANTITE numeracy test,’ she voiced on social media, seeking guidance and support: ‘Please help me.’

Every Australian teacher must pass the test's numeracy and literacy sections before they are allowed to graduate and begin teaching in a classroom.

What is LANTITE?

LANTITE tests teacher-students literacy and numeracy skills, requiring them to place in the top 30 per cent of adults. Each test attempt costs $198.

Those already enrolled in their studies receive three chances to pass the test.

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, there are pilot changes to LANTITE—allowing more test attempts and providing better feedback for those who don't pass to attract and retain more teachers.

In 2021, about 93 per cent of test-takers cleared the literacy and numeracy components after attempting the test one to three times. No clear data specifies how many passed on their initial attempt.

Although many teachers don't often use maths equations and algebra in their roles, the numeracy test presents complex maths problems that challenge numerous test-takers.

A CQUniversity psychologist believes LANTITE test failures stem more from student stress and testing unfamiliarity than knowledge gaps. Video: TikTok (@chelestee)​

‘I literally dropped out of maths in year 9 and I haven’t been able to comprehend algebra and all the equations since,’ Ms Healey shared in her video.

Ms Healey's struggles with the numeracy part of the test resonate with many. Hundreds of teachers have taken to the comments to share their experiences and offer their support.

‘Me, I'm literally taking 6 months off my course so I can just focus and study and learn how to do math again,’ one person wrote.

‘I was the same. I got an online tutor! I passed with flying colours,’ another shared with advice.

‘You might have maths anxiety! Look it up, I struggled with it for years. I passed using coping strategies and having a growth mindset!’ a third person reflected on their journey.

Could you pass the numeracy component?

Scroll further to see sample numeracy questions from the Australia Council for Educational Research (ACER), the body overseeing LANTITE's administration.

View attachment 32323

Please refer to this image for questions 1 and 2.

Question 1:
A Government primary school employed 40 teachers in 1980. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of students enrolled at the school in 1980?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 808 because the table shows that in Government primary schools in 1980, the ratio was 20.2 students to each teacher. For 40 teachers, 20.2 is multiplied by 40 to give the number of students, 808.

Question 2:
A Catholic secondary school had a total enrolment of 1098 students in 2021. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of teachers at the school in 2021?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 90 because the table shows that in 2021 Catholic secondary schools had a ratio of 12.2 students to each teacher. For 1098 students, 1098 is divided by 12.2 to give the number of teachers, 90.

Key Takeaways

• A student teacher, Celeste Healey, has publicly shared her struggle to pass the numeracy part of the mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
• Regardless of the subjects they will be teaching, every Australian teacher must pass both the numeracy and literacy components of the test before they can graduate and start teaching.
• The LANTITE test costs $198 each time it is taken and is currently trialling two changes to allow for more test attempts and increased feedback for those who fail.
• Other teachers and students empathised with Ms Healey's struggle in the comments of her video, sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

Members, how did you handle the two practice questions provided? Were they easy or a bit challenging for you? Share your responses in the comments below!

Not at all challenging.. I’d be very concerned if a teacher teaching my child could not answer this simple maths question.

 

[Pat T]

The maths were no problem at all but the numbers of students per teacher were staggering. In the 90's I had at least 30 children in my classes. Times do change.

Found an old report card from 1956. There were 44 kids to 1 teacher, 3 terms, 3 subjects - English, Maths, Social Studies.

 

[Luckyus]

Easy, my severely dyslexic grandson in year six would have no problem with these math problems

Reminds me of the dyslectic heretic, spent his life looking for his dog?

 

[Barry Hutton]

Easy, virtually did them in my head. I would not call them maths but arithmetic. Seems to be a serious problem somewhere if the could not answer these.

 

[Rob44]

A student teacher sought assistance after struggling with the maths part of her obligatory exam, echoing the challenges many of her peers faced.

Celeste Healey, 26, is on her journey to becoming a teacher but is confronted with the possibility of delaying her studies due to the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).

View attachment 32315

New research reveals students are facing panic attacks and financial loss due to a mandatory teacher qualification test. Image source: TikTok (@chelestee)/Pixabay

‘Obviously, we’re so in demand for teachers. But guys, I can’t pass the LANTITE numeracy test,’ she voiced on social media, seeking guidance and support: ‘Please help me.’

Every Australian teacher must pass the test's numeracy and literacy sections before they are allowed to graduate and begin teaching in a classroom.

What is LANTITE?

LANTITE tests teacher-students literacy and numeracy skills, requiring them to place in the top 30 per cent of adults. Each test attempt costs $198.

Those already enrolled in their studies receive three chances to pass the test.

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, there are pilot changes to LANTITE—allowing more test attempts and providing better feedback for those who don't pass to attract and retain more teachers.

In 2021, about 93 per cent of test-takers cleared the literacy and numeracy components after attempting the test one to three times. No clear data specifies how many passed on their initial attempt.

Although many teachers don't often use maths equations and algebra in their roles, the numeracy test presents complex maths problems that challenge numerous test-takers.

A CQUniversity psychologist believes LANTITE test failures stem more from student stress and testing unfamiliarity than knowledge gaps. Video: TikTok (@chelestee)​

‘I literally dropped out of maths in year 9 and I haven’t been able to comprehend algebra and all the equations since,’ Ms Healey shared in her video.

Ms Healey's struggles with the numeracy part of the test resonate with many. Hundreds of teachers have taken to the comments to share their experiences and offer their support.

‘Me, I'm literally taking 6 months off my course so I can just focus and study and learn how to do math again,’ one person wrote.

‘I was the same. I got an online tutor! I passed with flying colours,’ another shared with advice.

‘You might have maths anxiety! Look it up, I struggled with it for years. I passed using coping strategies and having a growth mindset!’ a third person reflected on their journey.

Could you pass the numeracy component?

Scroll further to see sample numeracy questions from the Australia Council for Educational Research (ACER), the body overseeing LANTITE's administration.

View attachment 32323

Please refer to this image for questions 1 and 2.

Question 1:
A Government primary school employed 40 teachers in 1980. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of students enrolled at the school in 1980?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 808 because the table shows that in Government primary schools in 1980, the ratio was 20.2 students to each teacher. For 40 teachers, 20.2 is multiplied by 40 to give the number of students, 808.

Question 2:
A Catholic secondary school had a total enrolment of 1098 students in 2021. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of teachers at the school in 2021?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 90 because the table shows that in 2021 Catholic secondary schools had a ratio of 12.2 students to each teacher. For 1098 students, 1098 is divided by 12.2 to give the number of teachers, 90.

Key Takeaways

• A student teacher, Celeste Healey, has publicly shared her struggle to pass the numeracy part of the mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
• Regardless of the subjects they will be teaching, every Australian teacher must pass both the numeracy and literacy components of the test before they can graduate and start teaching.
• The LANTITE test costs $198 each time it is taken and is currently trialling two changes to allow for more test attempts and increased feedback for those who fail.
• Other teachers and students empathised with Ms Healey's struggle in the comments of her video, sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

Members, how did you handle the two practice questions provided? Were they easy or a bit challenging for you? Share your responses in the comments below!

Oddly enough, I was fooled by the phrase "relevant average value". Some dumb bureaucrat doesn't know how to ask a simple question precisely.

 

[Squizzy1]

A student teacher sought assistance after struggling with the maths part of her obligatory exam, echoing the challenges many of her peers faced.

Celeste Healey, 26, is on her journey to becoming a teacher but is confronted with the possibility of delaying her studies due to the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).

View attachment 32315

New research reveals students are facing panic attacks and financial loss due to a mandatory teacher qualification test. Image source: TikTok (@chelestee)/Pixabay

‘Obviously, we’re so in demand for teachers. But guys, I can’t pass the LANTITE numeracy test,’ she voiced on social media, seeking guidance and support: ‘Please help me.’

Every Australian teacher must pass the test's numeracy and literacy sections before they are allowed to graduate and begin teaching in a classroom.

What is LANTITE?

LANTITE tests teacher-students literacy and numeracy skills, requiring them to place in the top 30 per cent of adults. Each test attempt costs $198.

Those already enrolled in their studies receive three chances to pass the test.

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, there are pilot changes to LANTITE—allowing more test attempts and providing better feedback for those who don't pass to attract and retain more teachers.

In 2021, about 93 per cent of test-takers cleared the literacy and numeracy components after attempting the test one to three times. No clear data specifies how many passed on their initial attempt.

Although many teachers don't often use maths equations and algebra in their roles, the numeracy test presents complex maths problems that challenge numerous test-takers.

A CQUniversity psychologist believes LANTITE test failures stem more from student stress and testing unfamiliarity than knowledge gaps. Video: TikTok (@chelestee)​

‘I literally dropped out of maths in year 9 and I haven’t been able to comprehend algebra and all the equations since,’ Ms Healey shared in her video.

Ms Healey's struggles with the numeracy part of the test resonate with many. Hundreds of teachers have taken to the comments to share their experiences and offer their support.

‘Me, I'm literally taking 6 months off my course so I can just focus and study and learn how to do math again,’ one person wrote.

‘I was the same. I got an online tutor! I passed with flying colours,’ another shared with advice.

‘You might have maths anxiety! Look it up, I struggled with it for years. I passed using coping strategies and having a growth mindset!’ a third person reflected on their journey.

Could you pass the numeracy component?

Scroll further to see sample numeracy questions from the Australia Council for Educational Research (ACER), the body overseeing LANTITE's administration.

View attachment 32323

Please refer to this image for questions 1 and 2.

Question 1:
A Government primary school employed 40 teachers in 1980. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of students enrolled at the school in 1980?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 808 because the table shows that in Government primary schools in 1980, the ratio was 20.2 students to each teacher. For 40 teachers, 20.2 is multiplied by 40 to give the number of students, 808.

Question 2:
A Catholic secondary school had a total enrolment of 1098 students in 2021. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of teachers at the school in 2021?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 90 because the table shows that in 2021 Catholic secondary schools had a ratio of 12.2 students to each teacher. For 1098 students, 1098 is divided by 12.2 to give the number of teachers, 90.

Key Takeaways

• A student teacher, Celeste Healey, has publicly shared her struggle to pass the numeracy part of the mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
• Regardless of the subjects they will be teaching, every Australian teacher must pass both the numeracy and literacy components of the test before they can graduate and start teaching.
• The LANTITE test costs $198 each time it is taken and is currently trialling two changes to allow for more test attempts and increased feedback for those who fail.
• Other teachers and students empathised with Ms Healey's struggle in the comments of her video, sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

Members, how did you handle the two practice questions provided? Were they easy or a bit challenging for you? Share your responses in the comments below!

 

[Squizzy1]

WOW.

 

[SandyM]

So easy!

 

[Jennylolo]

where on earth did they get those figures from- not real. IN 70s, 80 and 1/2 of 90s I was in government primary. Class sizes were 26-33 on average. Late 90s to current, in government secondary, I've had 32 in a small room for a practical class only this year. This is quite normal and for some subjects can be more. A subject doesn't run if there isn't 20 enrolled for the first day. As the class first starts, it can drop though with students being accepted into VET courses (requiring some offsite campuses/colleges and businesses for placement etc) As semester or year progresses students get apprenticeships, begin a course, shift schools, so numbers will always vary.

 

[katdragon2010]

I had absolutely no problems with these questions. Education must be slipping something awful if people wanting to be teachers are getting these wrong.

 

[mylittletibbies]

If the teachers can't work out these simple questions it's no wonder the young today have trouble adding 2 and 2 together.
If the power goes out shop assistants can't add up what you owe or your change. It's quite pathetic really, too much reliance on electronics to do everything for them.

 

[JudyPR]

A student teacher sought assistance after struggling with the maths part of her obligatory exam, echoing the challenges many of her peers faced.

Celeste Healey, 26, is on her journey to becoming a teacher but is confronted with the possibility of delaying her studies due to the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).

View attachment 32315

New research reveals students are facing panic attacks and financial loss due to a mandatory teacher qualification test. Image source: TikTok (@chelestee)/Pixabay

‘Obviously, we’re so in demand for teachers. But guys, I can’t pass the LANTITE numeracy test,’ she voiced on social media, seeking guidance and support: ‘Please help me.’

Every Australian teacher must pass the test's numeracy and literacy sections before they are allowed to graduate and begin teaching in a classroom.

What is LANTITE?

LANTITE tests teacher-students literacy and numeracy skills, requiring them to place in the top 30 per cent of adults. Each test attempt costs $198.

Those already enrolled in their studies receive three chances to pass the test.

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, there are pilot changes to LANTITE—allowing more test attempts and providing better feedback for those who don't pass to attract and retain more teachers.

In 2021, about 93 per cent of test-takers cleared the literacy and numeracy components after attempting the test one to three times. No clear data specifies how many passed on their initial attempt.

Although many teachers don't often use maths equations and algebra in their roles, the numeracy test presents complex maths problems that challenge numerous test-takers.

A CQUniversity psychologist believes LANTITE test failures stem more from student stress and testing unfamiliarity than knowledge gaps. Video: TikTok (@chelestee)​

‘I literally dropped out of maths in year 9 and I haven’t been able to comprehend algebra and all the equations since,’ Ms Healey shared in her video.

Ms Healey's struggles with the numeracy part of the test resonate with many. Hundreds of teachers have taken to the comments to share their experiences and offer their support.

‘Me, I'm literally taking 6 months off my course so I can just focus and study and learn how to do math again,’ one person wrote.

‘I was the same. I got an online tutor! I passed with flying colours,’ another shared with advice.

‘You might have maths anxiety! Look it up, I struggled with it for years. I passed using coping strategies and having a growth mindset!’ a third person reflected on their journey.

Could you pass the numeracy component?

Scroll further to see sample numeracy questions from the Australia Council for Educational Research (ACER), the body overseeing LANTITE's administration.

View attachment 32323

Please refer to this image for questions 1 and 2.

Question 1:
A Government primary school employed 40 teachers in 1980. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of students enrolled at the school in 1980?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 808 because the table shows that in Government primary schools in 1980, the ratio was 20.2 students to each teacher. For 40 teachers, 20.2 is multiplied by 40 to give the number of students, 808.

Question 2:
A Catholic secondary school had a total enrolment of 1098 students in 2021. The average number of students per teacher for the school was equal to the relevant average value shown in the table. What was the total number of teachers at the school in 2021?

Answer:

Spoiler

The correct answer is 90 because the table shows that in 2021 Catholic secondary schools had a ratio of 12.2 students to each teacher. For 1098 students, 1098 is divided by 12.2 to give the number of teachers, 90.

Key Takeaways

• A student teacher, Celeste Healey, has publicly shared her struggle to pass the numeracy part of the mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
• Regardless of the subjects they will be teaching, every Australian teacher must pass both the numeracy and literacy components of the test before they can graduate and start teaching.
• The LANTITE test costs $198 each time it is taken and is currently trialling two changes to allow for more test attempts and increased feedback for those who fail.
• Other teachers and students empathised with Ms Healey's struggle in the comments of her video, sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

Members, how did you handle the two practice questions provided? Were they easy or a bit challenging for you? Share your responses in the comments below!

As a retired teacher, I found the questions relatively easy. If the takers of the test cannot answer those questions, I doubt their ability to teach numeracy in the classroom.