The Government has introduced its education plan in Parliament, with new teaching requirements and cellphone restrictions set to be implemented. The Education Minister says it's about "removing distractions and teaching the basics brilliantly".
It will see all primary and intermediate students taught an hour a day of reading, writing and maths, with cellphones banned in classrooms. National campaigned on the policy ahead of the election.
"Starting from Term 1 2024, all students in Years 0 to 8 will be taught reading, writing and maths for an average of one hour a day in each subject," Education Minister Erica Stanford said.
"We're seeing that many schools are already doing this well, but this change is about having time dedicated to teaching reading, writing and maths in a purposeful and deliberate way consistently across New Zealand.
"The Ministry of Education will provide guidance and support to assist schools with the implementation of these changes."
The cellphone ban will help "maximise class time", she added.
"New Zealand schools and overseas jurisdictions that have already imposed restrictions on cellphones in the classroom have reported better concentration and engagement in class, and an improvement in student achievement and well-being."
The ban will be in place from Term 2 next year.
"Students will need to put their cellphone away for the day and schools will be required to have a cellphone policy in place by then.
"While the policy officially takes effect from Term 2 2024, it is our expectation that most schools will implement the policy from Term 1.
"The implementation and enforcement of the policy will be at the discretion of individual schools to ensure it is implemented effectively for their school community," Stanford added.
"Options that have been successfully used in some schools include having students hand in their cellphones before class or leaving them in their lockers or bags for the day."
Students with health conditions or in special circumstances will be able to seek exemption from the ban.
The National, ACT, New Zealand First coalition is also establishing an advisory group to review the curriculum for primary schools.
"We are committed to working with educators to bring these policies to life," Stanford said.
"The intention for the review of the English and maths curricula is not to start again, but to build on the work that has already been done and strengthen this... Work will be done in the first half of 2024, ready for implementation in 2025."
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