Ministry of Education data shows positive start for Structured Literacy approach
New Curriculum Data Snapshots show attainment in literacy, maths and Te Reo, as well as teacher PLD enrolment.
Ministry of Education (MoE) figures show that the mandatory Structured Literacy (SL) approach from Term 1, 2025 appears to be having a positive impact on Cohort 1 learners.
Data for nearly 5000 students who started the school year between January and February 2025 showed significant improvements in Term 3 literacy testing for Years 1-3, with Years 2 and 3 showing the most improvement after implementation of Structured Literacy.
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Students were tested in letter-sound relationships and decoding and reading words. Every year group showed improvement in both metrics, with Year 3’s letter-sound relationship score showing the biggest increase.
Data collected also showed that these gains were made across ethnic groups. Pacific students saw the most improvement, making gains in both areas.
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PLD rates in literacy were a more mixed picture. MoE data shows that only 55 percent of Years 0-8 teachers have completed the funded professional learning and development (PLD) for SL; however, these figures do not take into account teachers who have previously received training in SL.
Maths PLD rates were lower; only 19 percent of teachers had completed all four days of PLD, with 54 percent having completed day one. Those who have completed the full programme reported good outcomes, with 91 percent stating they felt confident in supporting positive relationships in maths after day three of training.
Almost three quarters of teachers who had completed the PLD reported that they felt the ‘refreshed’ curriculum would improve student outcomes.
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In Te Reo Māori education, 99 percent of kaiako were trained or registered for PLD in teaching Rangaranga Reo ā-Tā, a language-specific SL approach developed for teaching reading and writing in Te Reo Māori.
Data for the first cohort of students enrolled in Te Hāpai Ākonga, an accelerated learning support programme, showed strong outcomes. Over 80 percent of students recorded significant improvements in literacy and oral language, decoding skills, reading comprehension and oral expression.
The Curriculum Data Snapshots show attainment across literacy and maths, with the MoE stating their focus is transparent sharing of progress across the sector. Currently, Terms 1-3 are available, with Term 4 expected in the next few weeks.
