Conversation
Following the removal of the compulsory use of National Standards and Ngā Whanaketanga Rumaki Māori in December 2017, the Ministry signalled it would work with the education sector – with input from students, parents, whānau, iwi and communities – to focus on progress and achievement across the National Curriculum. A Ministerial Advisory Group and Reference Group were formed in May 2018 to assist with this work.
We want to ensure that all students make progress in the breadth of learning that is important for lifelong wellbeing, and that all students experience a rich and engaging curriculum that is relevant to their local contexts.
While it’s important to know how students and ākonga are doing in literacy and numeracy, te reo matatini and pāngarau, it’s also important to understand the progress they’re making across the curricula. Assessing and reporting on progress – not just achievement – takes into account the starting point of each student and ākonga. It helps teachers and kaiako provide the right learning opportunities and support. It also helps parents and whānau know what progress their child is making and how they can support their learning.
The Ministry is supporting schools to begin to make this shift.
A Ministerial Advisory Group was formed in May 2018 to provide advice on what else may be needed to strengthen the focus on progress across the curricula. The Ministerial Advisory Group included representation from both Māori and English medium educators to deliver advice that reflects Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and The New Zealand Curriculum and meets the needs of a bicultural Aotearoa-New Zealand.
A Reference Group of teachers and kaiako, school and kura leaders, and representatives working in education, was also formed to provide an ‘on the ground’ view. Feedback from conversations led by Reference Group members is available on What we’ve heard so far.