Parents will receive clearer and more consistent information about how their children are progressing at school under a new national assessment and reporting system being introduced this year.

The changes apply to primary and intermediate schools across New Zealand and mean parents will receive the same type of learning information regardless of which school their child attends.

“Parents have long called for clearer, more detailed reporting on academic achievement, and this new framework delivers that clarity,” Education Minister Erica Stanford said.

“It supports parents to understand their child’s progress over time and to be active partners in their learning.”

Under the new system, schools will report on student progress in reading, writing and maths using nationally consistent progress markers. Reports will also include attendance information and guidance for parents on next learning steps.

For students in Years 3 to 8, schools will also introduce twice yearly progress check ins aligned with mid year and end of year reporting. These will be supported by a new SMART progress monitoring tool.

Stanford said the tool was designed to support teachers rather than replace professional judgement.

“Teachers will continue to draw on classroom work, observations and assessments,” she said.

“These tools help ensure parents receive clear, consistent information.”

The new approach replaces an assessment system that has been in place for more than 20 years and follows concerns raised over time about inconsistent reporting between schools.

“For too long, New Zealand has lacked consistent, reliable information on how students are progressing in the basics,” Stanford said.

“Without nationally consistent assessment and reporting, parents can be left without the information they need, and the system cannot respond early when children need support.”

The framework was developed following consultation with principals and teachers and was trialled in 85 schools involving around 12,000 student assessments. The Government said feedback from schools involved in the trial was positive.

Parents of students in Years 0 to 10 will receive reports that explain why a particular progress marker was chosen and what families can do at home to support learning.

Reporting on other learning areas, values and behaviour will continue as it does now.

The Government said consistent reporting would also help better target support for students. This year includes the rollout of structured literacy and maths intervention teachers, additional teacher aide hours, and expanded learning support services.

“These changes ensure parents are better informed, teachers are supported, and students get help earlier when they need it,” Stanford said.