Changes coming for maths education

Chris Luxon announced shocking data from 2023:

• Only 22% of students are at the expected standard for maths at year 8
• 3 out of 5 are more than a year behind
• 8% of kids in our lowest decile schools are at curriculum in maths at year 8 and 79 per cent are more than a year behind
• For Māori, just 12 per cent are at curriculum in year 8 and 76 per cent are more than a year behind

So changes are being made as the status quo is damning. He announced:

• A new maths curriculum will be introduced a year early, from Term 1 2025, with resources available to support teachers.
• Resources, including teacher and student workbooks will be provided into every primary and intermediate school.
• $20 million for professional development in structured maths for teachers.
• Teaching Council agreed to lift maths entry requirements for new teachers so they must have at least NCEA Level 2 in Maths
• Twice yearly assessments for maths in primary schools from the start of 2025. 
• Small group interventions to support students who have fallen significantly behind.

Great changes.