NZ launches new push to boost literacy and numeracy in ECEC

Early childhood teachers (ECTs) in New Zealand will be given more support to help them drive better literacy and numeracy outcomes for young learners, the country’s Education Minister Erica Stanford announced recently. 

An online curriculum resource – Kōwhiti Whakapae – will guide ECTs and support them with planning, formative assessment and teaching practice in oral language, literacy and maths within the curriculum.

Given Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework has strong connections with Te Whāriki, the measures are of note for the Australian context. 

“New research from the Education Review Office (ERO) found too many children are starting school without the spoken language skills they need to thrive,” Minister Stanford said. 

“It recommended putting consistent expectations in place for students and tracking their progress against them, increasing teachers’ use of effective practices and supporting parents and whānau (familes) to develop language at home.”

The Government hopes that implementing the oral language, literacy and maths content of Kōwhiti Whakapae will support children to grow as readers, writers, mathematicians, and life-long learners, she continued.

“We want every child to have confidence when they start at school. The online tools will help teachers adjust their practices in response to evidence-based judgements on a child’s progress. It will also give parents an understanding of what their child’s learning and where they’re at.”

“We are committed to making the most of data and evidence to drive student achievement across the key learning areas and key competencies,” Minister Stanford said.

“Oral language is a critical building block for all children and essential to setting them up to succeed at school and beyond. These tools are another step in the right direction in lifting achievement and closing the equity gap in our education system.”

Access Kōwhiti Whakapae here.