‘Teaching the Basics Brilliantly’ aims to lift student outcomes by introducing a clear curriculum, consistent ways of teaching, as well as more effective ways of monitoring student progression and achievement. To raise achievement, we will continue to offer a range of supports and services so that 80% of Year 8 students are at, or above, the expected curriculum level for their age in reading, writing and maths by December 2030.

As part of this, we’re making changes to the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa to deliver a knowledge rich, internationally comparable curriculum that is grounded in the science of learning and is future focussed.

We’re also developing a coherent, whole-of-pathway approach to assessment, aromatawai, reporting and monitoring so that good quality data about students’ learning:

• is available to inform teaching and learning
• provides timely information to parents, whānau and caregivers
• helps to inform decisions at every level of the education system.

Currently, schools and kura use a range of assessment and aromatawai tools to map whether students are progressing as expected. One of the most popular is e-asTTle.

We have investigated the long-term use of e-asTTle. Whilst the e-asTTle tool was world leading in its time, our review revealed technical limitations and that the content does not align to the updated New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. Therefore, the Government has made the decision to invest in a new tool to support teachers to monitor and report on student progress.

That’s why we’re seeking a national or international provider to work with us to create a bilingual assessment and aromatawai tool that caters for both English and te reo Māori and is aligned to the updated curricula. This will cover Years 3-10.

We are looking for a tool that’s already been proven to be effective and can be adapted for our unique New Zealand context. Investing in a new tool is one of the most important and powerful levers available to improve the quality of information available to lifting student achievement and closing the equity gap.

More information about our work on assessment and aromatawai practices and tools is outlined in this information sheet.