National Standards questions and answers

What are National Standards?

National Standards in reading, writing and maths show what all New Zealand children are expected to be able to do by the end of each stage during Years 1-8, as part of what they learn at school. Find out more information on National Standards.

Why have National Standards?

National Standards give teachers, children, parents, families and whānau a clear idea of what children need to learn and show where they are at in reading, writing and maths. When everyone understands where they are at, then everyone can be clear about how to best support their learning – both at home and at school.

How does the teacher work out where your child is at?

Teachers will use a range of assessments to make an overall teacher judgment to work out where each child is at, what their next learning steps are and to set goals. School reporting will clearly show your child’s progress and achievement, what the teacher and school will do to help your child reach their goals, and what you can do at home to support your child’s learning. Find out more information on how the teacher works out where your child is at.

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Will there be one test?

No. Teachers use many different ways to work out where each child is at – including watching them in the classroom, talking with them about their learning, children’s assessment of their and each others’ work and using formal tests.

Why is reporting important?

Parents, families and whānau have an important part to play in supporting children’s learning at school. To do this you need support from schools, including clear, regular information about your child’s progress and achievements. Find out more information on reporting in relation to National Standards.

How will the results be reported?

Each year you will receive at least two written reports that will clearly show your child’s progress and achievement in reading, writing and maths, in relation to National Standards. The report should help you understand if your child is working at the expected level for their age, what steps the school is taking, and what you can do to support your child's education. 

When will you get your child’s first National Standards report?

From 2010, schools have been required to report to parents, families and whānau in writing at least twice a year on their children’s progress and achievement, in relation to National Standards. 

What will reporting look like?

Schools report in a variety of ways through formal reports, student portfolios, e-portfolios and workbooks.

Reporting in relation to National Standards is likely to include:

• your child’s current learning goals
• your child’s progress and achievement in relation to National Standards
• what the school will do to support your child’s learning
• what you and your family and whānau can do to support your child’s learning.

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Will the standards be the same throughout New Zealand?

Yes. The same standards will be used by all New Zealand schools with children in Years 1-8. Each school will check that results are consistent across the school. The Education Review Office (ERO) will check that each school has systems to work with the standards in ways that provide national consistency. Find out more information by visiting the TKI website containing National Standards teachers materials.

Will schools have to use the standards?

Yes. From 2010, schools have been required to report to parents, families and whānau in writing at least twice a year about their children’s progress and achievement, in relation to National Standards.

Who has set the standards?

The standards have been developed by the Ministry of Education team who developed The New Zealand Curriculum, in consultation with education experts. As part of the development, consultation took place throughout the country during 2009 with more than 6,000 people – including teachers, principals, parents, families and whānau. Find out more information on consultation with parents, families and whānau about National Standards.

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How have the standards been set?

The standards have been set at a level that most children are expected to be able to achieve, if they are learning at their full potential. Children who are at or above the standards are able to meet the demands of The New Zealand Curriculum and are on track to leave school with a worthwhile qualification. Find out more information about how National Standards supports NCEA.

What about children who are learning English?

If your child is learning English as a new language, the teacher may first use the English Language Learning Progressions to assess their progress in reading and writing, and report to you.  Find out more information about students who are English language learners.

What happens with my child who has special education needs?

National Standards have been developed for all children in Years 1-8, including those with special education needs. However, children with very significant education needs will also continue to be supported through an individual education programme or plan. Find out more information about students with special education needs.

What about subjects other than reading, writing and maths?

Doing well in reading, writing and maths gives children the skills they need to do well in all curriculum areas at school. Schools will continue to teach all subjects in the curriculum and report on them as they currently do. 

What about the self-esteem of children who are not achieving?

National Standards aim to improve achievement by reporting children’s learning gaps early, so that extra support can be given at school and home to help them reach their next learning steps.