National Standards

Hon John Key

It's easy to take for granted basic skills like reading, writing, and maths.  I learnt the basics pretty well when I was at school, and I'm sure that most of you did too. 

We'd like to think that our children are leaving school with the same tools as we did, but this isn't always the case.  Currently, one out of five school leavers don't have the qualifications and skills they need to succeed. 

Before the election, we promised to set National Standards in literacy and numeracy for all students in Years 1 to 8. 

We passed a law before Christmas allowing for the standards to be set by the Minister of Education.  Now, the draft standards are ready for feedback - your feedback.

They describe all the things children should be able to do by a particular age, or year at primary or intermediate school.  

National standards will help ensure that children learn the basic skills to do well at school, to prepare for the workforce, and to climb the ladder of opportunity.

Teachers will use a range of existing assessment tools, as well as their professional judgment, to measure students against the National Standards.

Many schools are already using assessment information to raise student achievement, but the Education Review Office has found that up to half of our schools are not. This needs to change.

National also promised that parents will be kept updated on their child's progress in plain language reports.  We're proud of the bright, colourful, and easy-to-read reports that are part of the draft standards.

It's important that parents can understand how well their child is doing and what work they can do at home to help them be successful at school.

The Ministry of Education is holding meetings around the country between 18 May and 3 July to seek community feedback on the draft standards.

There will be opportunities for parents, teachers, schools and sector groups to talk to ministry representatives. 

Around 45 meetings with parents are planned.  We want parents to let us know what they think about the plain language reports and how schools can help improve their child's learning.  Please check with your school if they are hosting a meeting. Parents can also view information online or ask for a booklet to be sent to them.

National Standards are in important step forward in ensuring all New Zealand children leave school with the qualifications they need to achieve in this increasingly challenging world. 

Getting the basics skills will help our children climb the ladder of success and make valuable contributions to their communities and their country.