17325 (2026). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education

17325 (2026). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education: How, if at all, does the Government ensure that school review conclusions remain valid where achievement data may not have been verified?

Hon Erica Stanford: ERO advises me that review judgements are informed by a range of evidence relating to teaching and learning, leadership, curriculum, and the conditions and systems that support ongoing improvement. Where achievement information is limited, incomplete, or unable to be verified, this is taken into account during the evaluative process and is reflected in the review findings and overall published report. ERO has consistently advocated for schools to use high quality assessment tools, including standardised and school-wide assessments aligned to the curriculum, to provide parents and whānau with clear, consistent information on student progress. Reliable achievement information supports the early identification and timely response to students learning needs. It enables teachers to evaluate initiatives, inform their teaching, and track learner progress over time at student, class, and whole-school levels.