95bFM 2026 introduction of Standardised Testing in Primary schools w/ University of Auckland’s Tom Pearce: 9th July, 2024
2026 introduction of Standardised Testing in Primary schools w/ University of Auckland’s Tom Pearce: 9th July, 2024
2026 introduction of Standardised Testing in Primary schools w/ University of Auckland’s Tom Pearce: 9th July, 2024 Tuesday, July 9, 2024
From 2026 the government will introduce standardised testing for reading, writing and maths across all primary schools.
Year one students will be required to sit phonics tests at 20 and 40 weeks of schooling and years 3-6 will be required to take PAT and e-asTTle. Around 60% of schools already use this type of testing.
The reason for the introduction of testing is to improve education levels which are not up to standard, according to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Education minister Erica Standford stated testing is important to keep parents informed about their child’s progress. Stanford continued that the tests will allow teachers and principals with the data to track in aggregate their school’s performance.
Producer Elle spoke to Faculty of Education and Social Work PhD student Tom Pearce about the policy.
