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For decades, politicians have promised to ‘fix’ the perceived shortcomings of New Zealand’s education system. The language shifts – ‘back to basics’, ‘literacy crusade’, ‘plain English reporting’, ‘National Standards’ – but the underlying assumptions remain remarkably consistent. From Prime Minister Robert Muldoon lamenting insufficient attention to basics in 1978, to Prime Minister John Key’s 2008 […]
Equal parts exhilarating and daunting, experienced principals will still recall the steep learning curve of those early days, where preparation often gave way to learning on the job. While principal preparation remains a challenge in Aotearoa New Zealand, there is one support that ranks as most valuable for new principals: mentoring from others (ERO, 2023). […]
If we can implement structured literacy being taught in every school in the next couple of years, I will retire a very happy politician because that is monumental. We will be the first country in the world, as far as I’m aware, that has done that. And it is going to be game-changing. Hon. Erica […]
Relationships and sexuality education (RSE) is critical to the learning, development, and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s young people. However, there are differing views on what, when, and how much should be taught in schools. The Education Review Office (ERO) looked at RSE to understand how well it is meeting the needs of students, expectations […]
New research and resources to support students’ oral language development Te Ihuwaka | Education Evaluation Centre Oral language is the foundation for literacy at school. The Education Review Office (ERO) looked at how well children are developing the oral language skills they need through the early years and into new entrance. We found that while […]
Amongst recent educational policy discussions, little has been said about climate change and its impacts for young people. Since 2019, I have led NZCER’s research exploring educational policy and practice for a climate-changing Aotearoa New Zealand. Our research adds to a wider national and global literature that paints a mixed picture. On one hand, education […]
As all school principals will know, positive classroom behaviour is essential for learning and achievement. When students are focused and engaged, teachers are able to better use their time teaching, and spend less time reacting to and managing disruptive behaviours. As a result, students progress and enjoy their learning more, and less strain is put […]
Abstract This article is based on one of the main findings from an action research project which investigated how primary school teachers could improve the teaching of fractions. The study focused on what pedagogical strategies might be employed when shifting teaching and learning from procedural application to conceptual understanding. The purpose of the research was […]
There’s been considerable international research completed in relation to maths anxiety, more specifically with learners and pre-service teachers. This article shares ideas gained from completing a doctorate about maths anxiety and primary teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand, which relate to the histories, the impacts, and the influences of maths anxiety. About the research This doctoral […]
The current situation The decision to use the phrases ‘Restrictive Practices’ and ‘Occupational Violence’ stems from the increasing prevalence of references to the more general language of restrictive practices as opposed to just physical restraint, and the findings of a recent Principal survey from Australia as well as some recent work in the Health sector […]
Every school can improve on their current achievement levels, but it takes a clear vision and strong procedural support, to ensure improvement occurs. Currently, there is a major impediment to effective leadership of improvement in New Zealand schools, and that is a fundamental misunderstanding of the type of ‘inquiry cycle’ that is required to lead […]
Kia ora koutou, my name is Mel, and I have had the pleasure of being in education for the past 10+ years. During this time, I have worked in Primary Schools within the Waikato Region and had a small stint in the UK whilst on OE. I have had the privilege of being a kaitiaki […]
