New Zealand Introduces Structured Literacy Approach to Boost Reading and Writing Skills

New Zealand is set to introduce a structured literacy approach to teaching reading and writing in all state schools from 2025, as part of a government initiative to increase literacy rates. The move comes in response to a decline in literacy levels, with recent data showing that only 56% of Year 8 students are at the expected level for reading and just 35% for writing.

Why this matters: Improving literacy rates is crucial for a country's economic growth and social development, as it directly affects the quality of its workforce and citizens' ability to participate in society. By addressing this issue, New Zealand's government is taking a proactive step towards ensuring its future generations are better equipped to succeed in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of literacy skills, stating, "Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on." She highlighted that domestic and international evidence shows structured literacy to be the most effective method for equipping children with strong reading skills.

The structured literacy approach focuses on explicitly teaching students key skills, such as phonics, and using sounds to understand words. This method breaks down language into smaller components, including the relationship between sounds and letters, syntax, and word meanings. These elements are taught in a specific order, building on each skill to ensure students grasp the concepts before moving on.

Supporters argue that structured literacy is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with reading, such as those with dyslexia, but can help all learners. The government has set an ambitious target of having 80% of Year 8 students at curriculum level by 2030.

To support the rollout, the government has committed $67 million as part of Budget 2024. This funding will provide teachers with the necessary training, support, and resources to deliver the structured literacy approach effectively. The rollout will begin in Term 1, 2025, and will be implemented alongside the requirement for schools to teach an hour a day of reading, writing, and maths, plus a curriculum rich in knowledge and clear about what students should be learning and when.

Professional learning and development (PLD) in structured teaching approaches will initially be available to year 0-3 teachers, beginning with those who have not yet had any training in these methods. The PLD will then extend to year 4-6 teachers once the year 0-3 teacher cohort is covered. Te Poutāhū, the Ministry of Education's Māori education group, will work with pānui and tuhituhi experts to develop PLD to help implement a structured teaching approach for mokopuna learning through te reo Māori.

Applications for PLD will open on 6 May 2024 and close on 30 May 2024, with the training expected to be available for years 0-3 kaiako in Term 3, 2024. In addition to the PLD, the government will provide funding for structured literacy and te reo matatini resources, along with guidance to help schools select high-quality, effective resources.

While many educators and literacy experts support the structured literacy approach, some concerns have been raised. NZEI Te Riu Roa, the union for primary school teachers, expressed reservations about the government mandating a single approach to teaching, stating that personalized and differentiated learning is key to meeting the diverse needs of children in classrooms. President Mark Potter said, "Teaching is an art and a craft, not just a science. A teacher knows what teaching approach will work best for the variety of learners in their classroom."

Despite these concerns, Education Minister Erica Stanford remains confident in the teaching workforce, stating,"Our teachers are amazing and we are supporting them to deliver improved outcomes in reading and writing. "The introduction of the structured literacy approach in New Zealand's state schools marks a significant step towards addressing the declining literacy rates and equipping young people with the vital skills they need for success." As Stanford noted, this initiative is"transforming how our children learn to read"and sets the stage for a brighter future where all students can reach their full potential.

Key Takeaways

• New Zealand to introduce structured literacy approach in state schools from 2025.
• Only 56% of Year 8 students are at expected reading level, 35% for writing.
• $67 million committed to support teacher training and resources.
• Goal: 80% of Year 8 students at curriculum level by 2030.
• Structured literacy approach focuses on phonics, sounds, and word meanings.