Media Release

Ministry of Education continues work on National Standards

With the publication today of the National Standards in reading, writing and mathematics, the Ministry of Education will now focus on supporting schools to implement the curriculum and standards, and on the details of how the Ministry and schools will work together to do this.

“The Ministry is offering a wide range of support for schools, from professional development to written and electronic resources. Much of this support will take place in 2010, however the Ministry will also work with those schools and teachers that would like support during the remainder of 2009,” said Secretary for Education Karen Sewell.

The National Standards will support the implementation of The New Zealand Curriculum, in 2010.

“The New Zealand Curriculum is a world leading framework for education in our schools, and the standards have been explicitly written to complement and reinforce it,” said Karen Sewell.

“The Curriculum places students and their learning at the centre of the education system, and provides flexibility for schools to meet the needs of students and their communities.”

Schools will report to the Ministry against the National Standards within the existing Planning and Reporting requirements but under an addition to the National Education Guidelines, with schools first reporting on their 2011 achievement data.

“The Ministry of Education and education sector groups will continue to work together on outstanding issues, including the details of reporting in relation to the National Standards, throughout 2010,” said Karen Sewell.

For information contact:

Jodi Ihaka
Senior Media Advisor
Phone 04 463 8017 or 027 283 6122