Wellington (Tuesday, 5 December 2023) – Changes are coming to the way New Zealand students will be tested for reading, writing, and numeracy for NCEA.  

From 2026, if students fail any one of these new tests, they will not be able to achieve any level of NCEA. Results of initial testing using the new approach suggest that this requirement will cause a substantial fall in NCEA achievement.  

According to Dr Michael Johnston of The New Zealand Initiative, “The incoming government’s intention to reform literacy and numeracy teaching in primary schools will eventually improve outcomes.” 

Until then, Dr Johnston says, an interim solution will be needed. “Until the reforms flow through to improved literacy and numeracy in senior secondary students, literacy and numeracy should be a stand-alone certificate, separate from NCEA.” 

ENDS

The full policy point Interim measure required for NCEA Literacy and Numeracy is available from The New Zealand Initiative’s website here.

Dr Michael Johnston is available for comment. To schedule an interview, please contact:

Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow
E: michael.johnston@nzinitiative.org.nz
P: 021 0227 3415

Jamuel Enriquez, Marketing and Communications Manager
E: jamuel.enriquez@nzinitiative.org.nz
P: 021 022 34451
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About The New Zealand Initiative

The New Zealand Initiative is an evidence-based think tank and research institute contributing to public policy discussion.

Supported by the nation’s leading visionaries, business leaders and political thinkers, we are committed to making New Zealand a better country for all its citizens with a world-class education system, affordable housing, a healthy environment, sound public finances and a stable currency.
 
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