This report analyses the controversial implementation of New Zealand’s National Standards in Education for years 1-8 students in numeracy and literacy. Broadly, the standards have been introduced as a tool to address persistent disparities in New Zealand’s current education system, and improve reporting mechanisms to parents/caregivers.
Whilst there is widespread agreement that the levels of disparity in educational outcomes in New Zealand are unacceptable, the ways to address this are fiercely debated. The policy project aims to:
- Clarify what National Standards in education are and what they require of New Zealand schools and teachers
- Undertake an implementation analysis to identify areas of improvement in the development and implementation processes of New Zealand’s National Standards
This report recommends the following:
- That the Government continue to systematically track the progress of NS implementation using the evaluative framework developed in particular the National Standards: School Sample Monitoring & Evaluation Project.
- That the National Standards: School Sample Monitoring & Evaluation Project be supplemented with other research looking at broader trends in NS implementation impacting student motivation, curriculum development and professional development of teachers.
- That the Government undertake a process of consultation that genuinely engages the education sector and parents on the best way to formulate a policy that impacts on student achievement.
- That the government allow for voluntary use of NS whilst the standards are re-evaluated through consultation and the findings of the National Standards: School Sample Monitoring & Evaluation Project and other research becomes available.