The Government has announced it will legislate core teaching requirements to ensure students receive the same quality of education, regardless of where they go to school.
“We have been working on a model that will see maths, reading and writing taught the same way right across the country,” said Education Minister, Jan Tinetti.
“We have great teachers, but historically the curriculum hasn’t always been clear about how core subjects should be taught, and it’s meant there are wide variations of teaching. We’re changing that.
“The compulsory core teaching requirements will outline what teachers have to cover off at every year level across a child’s time at school.”
The Minister said teachers will be supported with guidance, professional development, and materials to implement these changes and ensure there is consistency across all schools to give all students equal opportunity.
“This, along with the new maths and literacy co-requisite at secondary schools, means employers anywhere in New Zealand can expect young people to have core maths, reading and writing skills when they leave school, and it will also help those wanting to go on to further education or training to achieve University Entrance or other requirements,” Ms Tinetti said.
She said the Government is also continuing to implement learning progress steps, so that teachers can track a child’s progress over their education.
“Learning progress steps give parents an overview of their child’s achievement and enable them to work with teachers to support their child’s progress.”
“Every child is unique and the changes we’re making will give parents confidence that their kids are supported to learn maths, reading and writing skills in the way the suits them best.
“There will still be flexibility around how different students learn best, however what they learn and when they learn it will be much clearer,” the Minister said.
The updated curriculum for English, mathematics and statistics will be used in schools from the start of 2025, with core teaching requirements becoming compulsory in all schools by 2026.
“These changes set clear expectations for schools and signify the importance the Government places on strong foundational skills in early learning and schooling.”
“This Government is absolutely determined that every child leaves school with a good knowledge of maths, reading and writing to set them up for future success,” Ms Tinetti said.
