The Government has unveiled a list of six priorities in education, arguing the sector needs “fundamental” change.
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the priorities this afternoon.
“I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system,” she said.
The priorities in the Government’s words are:
- “Clearer curriculum: Establishing a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning.
- “Better approach to literacy and numeracy: Implementing evidence-based instruction in early literacy and mathematics.
- “Smarter assessment and reporting: Implementing consistent modes of monitoring student progress and achievement.
- “Improved teacher training: Developing the workforce of the future, including leadership development pathways.
- “Stronger learning support: Targeting effective learning support interventions for students with additional needs.
- “Greater use of data: Using data and evidence to drive consistent improvement in achievement. “
Stanford said the aim is to lift achievement.
“Receiving a world-leading education not only sets children up for success, it sets New Zealand up for success – economically and socially,” she said. “But our declining achievement statistics clearly show that the school system is not delivering for all students.
“To turn this around, we need to make fundamental changes, including getting back to basics.”
The announcement comes on the same day as the Government’s ban on phones in schools kicked in.
Stanford said the Government was working to deliver a “world-leading” education system.
“These priorities are focused on lifting achievement and reflect the changes our Government has already made in education, including the requirement to teach one hour a day of reading, writing and maths in primary and intermediate school, and the ban of cellphone use in classrooms,” she added.
“We have set an ambitious target to reach 80% of Year 8 students at or above the expected curriculum level for their age in reading, writing and maths by December 2030.”
Stanford also pledged to work collaboratively with Māori education representatives and organisations to improve achievement, attendance and engagement among Māori students. The minister said she has already met with “several” Māori education leaders.
“Expectations for strengthened educational outcomes and achievement for tamariki and rangatahi Māori is a shared bottom line.
“For parents, these priorities will give them confidence their children are receiving quality education that will set them up for future success in further study or employment,” she said. “Over the coming months I will be introducing work programmes in each of these key areas, the first of which will be announced later this week.”