This year, primary and intermediate schools began implementing National Standards. The Standards are signposts that show what children should be able to achieve in reading, writing, and maths, and by when. Parents are sent plain-language reports on their child’s progress at least twice a year which includes suggestions on what parents can do at home to support their children.
Last week, an international study from the OECD came out, showing that New Zealand students performed a lot better than average in reading, maths, and science. This is a credit to the great job our teachers are doing and our world class curriculum.
However, the study also shows we have too many primary children that are not achieving to the standard required, and that there’s been no overall progress in reading since 2000 or in maths since 2003. In fact one child in five leaves school without the basic skills they need to succeed in a modern economy; and for Maori and Pacifica students it can be much worse at one in three.
National Standards identifies those children who are falling behind, sooner rather than later. It is then the responsibility of teachers to develop strategies that will lift the achievement of our children. $36 million has been invested in National Standards to develop resources and programmes that will support teachers to do this.
We’re also moving education resources to the frontline, and putting children at the heart of the education system where they belong. At least 50 expert practitioners will be appointed to work closely with schools, and find ways to help their students succeed. We’ve also focused teacher development squarely on lifting student achievement.
This year has been a bedding in year for National Standards. I encourage parents to go and talk to your school about National Standards, and how you can work together to make sure your child reaches their full potential, and makes the most of securing their bright future.
