Māori Education Action Plan: A Commitment to Better Outcomes
The Government has released its Māori Education Action Plan, outlining its approach to delivering better outcomes in the classroom for Māori students. The plan aims to address the disparities in educational achievement experienced by Māori students and provide a comprehensive framework for improving literacy, numeracy, and language skills.
Key Commitments of the Plan
The Māori Education Action Plan includes several key commitments aimed at supporting te reo Māori teaching, implementing structured literacy and numeracy programs, and increasing the availability of te reo Māori education for teachers. The plan also focuses on strengthening Māori medium education and working closely with kaupapa Māori leaders to develop effective educational strategies.
Addressing Disparities in Educational Achievement
Education Minister Erica Stanford acknowledged that while many Māori students achieve excellent results, the average Māori student experiences worse outcomes. Specifically, she noted that only 12 percent of Māori in English medium settings are at the curriculum benchmark in maths by the time they reach Year 8. Furthermore, only 39 percent of students in English medium settings attended school regularly in Term 2.
Early Actions to Support Māori Students
The plan outlines early actions aimed at supporting the achievement of Māori students in English medium schools. These include providing teachers with resources and professional development to bring the curriculum to life in their classrooms, as well as exploring options for increasing teacher training and workforce development.
Strengthening Whānau Engagement
Minister Stanford emphasized the importance of whānau engagement in a child’s learning, stating that “we also want to continue supporting the important role whānau play in a child’s learning.” The Ministry of Education will explore options with the Social Investment Agency on alternative education and partner with iwi to strengthen whānau engagement.
The next phase of work will focus on providing teachers with the necessary resources and professional development. Minister Stanford also emphasized the importance of engaging with te matakahuki and Māori education leaders to ensure that all children benefit from a world-leading education.
The Māori Education Action Plan represents a significant commitment by the Government to address the disparities in educational achievement experienced by Māori students. By implementing these key commitments and engaging with whānau, iwi, and kaupapa Māori leaders, the Ministry of Education aims to create a more inclusive and effective education system for all New Zealanders.
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