Structured literacy plan for all state schools from term 1

The Government is putting $67 million towards changing the way children are taught to read in this year’s Budget, Education Minister Erica Stanford said yesterday.

From term 1 next year, all state schools will use the structured literacy approach to teaching reading and writing – using sounds and phonics to understand words, in contrast to the ‘balanced’ literacy approach which does not require students to sound out words.

“Recent data shows that just 56% of year 8 students are at the expected level for reading, and just 35% for writing,” Stanford said.

“Domestic and international evidence shows this method is the most effective way of equipping children with strong reading skills that are critical for their futures.

“A number of schools in New Zealand are already teaching structured literacy and have experienced significant improvements in student achievement. I want all children to have this opportunity.”

The Government had set a target of getting 80% of year 8 students to curriculum level by 2030, and said teaching structured literacy was a key part of achieving that.

The $67m commitment, as part of Budget 2024, would support professional development on structured literacy for teachers, books and resources for schools and teachers, introducing phonics checks to assess student progression, and additional support for students who needed it.

“Structured literacy goes hand-inhand with our requirement for schools to teach an hour a day of reading, writing and maths, as well as implementing a curriculum that is rich in knowledge and clear about what students should be learning and when,” Stanford said.

“[This] funding announcement ensures that teachers will receive the training, support and resources they need to deliver this.

“Our teachers are amazing and we are supporting them to deliver improved outcomes in reading and writing.”

The National Party had made the pledge as part of its election campaign, when it expected the policy would cost $60.5m over four years.

LAWRENCE SMITH/STUFF Education Minister Erica Stanford and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Manurewa West Primary school in Auckland for yesterday’s announcement.