4. JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
What reports has she received about the teaching of reading and writing in years 1 and 2 at primary school?
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) Link to this
I have received a report from the Education Review Office that focused on how effectively reading and writing was taught in years 1 and 2. The report found that, although 70 percent of teachers are doing well, 30 percent are not teaching reading and writing effectively, and they set low expectations for students. It is extremely concerning that the report finds 67 percent of school leaders—that is, principals and senior managers—are not properly monitoring how well those young children are achieving or progressing, and that three-quarters of principals do not set high expectations of achievement levels.
National standards, which will be in schools next year, give schools a shared set of expectations about achievement in each year of school. Plain-language reporting to parents and communities will ensure that parents are well informed about their child’s progress right from when they start school. When a child is struggling, national standards will ensure that parents are aware at an early stage so that they can help. That is what parents want, and that is what this Government is making sure they get.
Kelvin DavisHas she read page 5 of the report, which states: “Although high teacher expectations are important, they are not sufficient on their own to enable children to achieve. Expectations for high standards must be accompanied by good teaching …”; and what, specifically, in her national standards, will improve teaching?
Hon Phil GoffI raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I was listening quite closely to that question and I could not hear it for the barracking from the Government benches.
Mr SPEAKERThe backbenchers on the Government side were making an absolutely unacceptable level of noise. They should realise that sitting close to the wall means that noise just bounces into the centre of the Chamber and it is extraordinarily difficult to hear. I invite Kelvin Davis to repeat his question.
Has she read page 5 of the report, which states: “Although high teacher expectations are important, they are not sufficient on their own to enable children to achieve. Expectations for high standards must be accompanied by good teaching …”; and what, specifically, in her national standards, will improve teaching?
Yes, I totally agree, and effective teaching is at the core of national standards. Effective teaching is using formative assessment; that is, constantly monitoring how effective the teaching is, and making changes. It is about informing parents so that they can be involved in the process too. That is what this report says principals and senior leaders in three-quarters of schools are not doing effectively for years 1 and 2.
Can she understand the frustration of the 70 percent of teachers who are doing a great job, according to the report, but are resentful of national standards being imposed on them, threats being made to sack boards of trustees, their professional integrity being smeared, and moves to prevent criticism of the Minister?