53751 (2024). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister of Education

53751 (2024). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister of Education: Does the Minister agree with the President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, Leanne Otene, who said "Our teachers and principals are experts in understanding the unique needs of their students and as self-managing schools, follow the strategic plans set each year in partnership with their communities. They are best placed to make decisions about how to deliver all curriculum subjects including literacy and maths"; if not, why not?

Hon Erica Stanford: All principals and teachers should have a thorough understanding of their school’s achievement data and know where the focus should be for their strategic planning. If their achievement data already show high rates of achievement and year on year progression for literacy and maths then these schools will be in a good position to implement the curriculum changes in 2025 and beyond. Unfortunately, since international and national evidence shows a decline in New Zealand’s educational achievement in both literacy and maths it is clear that the system is letting some schools and communities down. It is also clear from recent research, such as that from ERO, that many teachers do not feel confident in delivering core curriculum and are not best placed to make these decisions. It is critical that the Government respond with urgency to address disparities and reduce the equity gap. This is why we have implemented an hour a day of reading, writing, and maths for students in Years 0-8, the Make It Count maths action plan, and are progressing the requirement to teach structured literacy and maths in all state schools and kura from Term 1, 2025. As noted in my other responses to WPQs significant support will be provided to schools who need them to make this change.