Literacy expert dissects new literacy, numeracy model & National’s education policy

The National Party has released its education policy, the same week a government document redefining the curriculum has also been released, termed a common-practice model. This is against a backdrop of New Zealand children’s falling performance in reading and math’s compared to international standards. Leader Christopher Luxon says two-thirds of secondary school students failed to meet minimum standards in reading, writing and math’s, and 98% of Decile 1, Year 10 students failed a basic writing test. The National Party’s ‘Teaching the Basics Brilliantly’ policy is promising to make primary and intermediate students spend at least one hour reading, writing and doing math’s everyday. The party also wants to rewrite the curriculum to clearly state what must be taught in these areas each year, and test students twice-yearly from Year 3.

RNZ talks to Professor of Education Psychology Professor James Chapman to gain his insight into this important issue.

Listen to The Panel interview here

About Professor James Chapman, Is the Professor of Educational Psychology at Massey University and was the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Education at Massey University for 10 years. He has published extensively in the areas of literacy and learning. James is the on the A Better Start Science Advisory Panel and was involved in the development of the A Better Start Literacy Approach.