The Government has announced it will pledge $67 million towards its introduction of “structured literacy” for those learning to read in New Zealand schools.
Starting term one 2025, Kiwi students will start to learn reading using the structured literacy approach.
It is a way of teaching literacy where a teacher explicitly explains and models key skills, and children are not expected to develop skills from exposure or incidental learning opportunities. Students use sounds and phonics to understand words.
Education Minister Erica Stanford revealed today the approach’s rollout will include a $67 million commitment as part of this month's Budget.
This money will support professional development on structured literacy for teachers, books and resources for schools and teachers, introducing phonics checks to assess student progression, and additional support for students that need it.
The Government is focusing on a major overhaul of the education system, requiring schools to teach an hour a day of reading, writing, and maths.
“Structured literacy goes hand-in-hand with our requirement for schools to teach an hour a day of reading, writing and maths, as well as implementing a curriculum that is rich in knowledge and clear about what students should be learning and when,” Stanford said.
“Today’s funding announcement ensures teachers will receive the training, support and resources they need to deliver this.
“Our teachers are amazing, and we are supporting them to deliver improved outcomes in reading and writing.”
Earlier this year Prime Minister Luxon said one of the Government's long-term targets was having 80% of Year 8 students at or above the expected curriculum level for their age in reading, writing and maths by December 2030.
On Monday, the minister revealed a list of priorities “putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system”.
The priorities, in the Government's words, are:
- Clearer curriculum: Establishing a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning.
- Better approach to literacy and numeracy: Implementing evidence-based instruction in early literacy and mathematics.
- Smarter assessment and reporting: Implementing consistent modes of monitoring student progress and achievement.
- Improved teacher training: Developing the workforce of the future, including leadership development pathways.
- Stronger learning support: Targeting effective learning support interventions for students with additional needs.
Also on Monday, the ban on cellphones in schools kicked in.
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