Government announces new education priorities

Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo: RNZ
Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo: RNZ
New education priorities announced by the government today will put "ambition, achievement and outcomes" at the heart of the system, the education minister says.

Erica Stanford unveiled the six education priorities this afternoon.

In a statement, Stanford said she wanted "every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they can achieve to the best of their ability and gain skills and qualifications that will support them into further study and employment".

The new education priorities 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

Greater use of data: Using data and evidence to drive consistent improvement in achievement

Stanford said the first work programme to achieve these goals would be announced later this week.

The initial focus would be on "enhancing achievement, attendance, engagement", but the goal was an education system where all students were getting quality learning, she said.

The government has also set a target to reach 80 percent of Year 8 students at or above the expected curriculum level for their age in reading, writing and maths by the end of 2030.

Stanford also said she intended to work collaboratively with Māori education organisations to develop a Māori education work programme.