Latest news with #Ministry-funded
NZ Herald
06-08-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Numerous errors found in new Ministry-funded maths resources
The first page of errors that have been corrected include wrong answers, some off by significant margins. The listed answer to one problem was 1,024 and had to be changed to the correct answer of 19,875. A financial mistake in one of the books, supplied by 'Maths - No Problem' was off by $1000. In a separate workbook, the number four in te reo Māori was labelled rua, the word for two, instead of whā. A mistake involving te reo had to be corrected. In a statement, acting Ministry of Education curriculum centre leader Pauline Cleaver said as students and teachers have engaged with materials throughout the year, a 'small number of minor errors' were identified. 'These have now been resolved, and updates are being shared with schools via Tāhūrangi [the curriculum centre].' Cleaver added it was 'not uncommon' for minor errors to be spotted in the first print run of new educational resources, and while suppliers regularly review and update materials, schools are also encouraged to report any issues. From this year, Years 0-8 schools have been able to order Ministry-funded maths resources to support them to teach the revised mathematics and statistics curriculum. It comes after the Government's directive to teach an hour a day of reading, writing and maths in its policy to 'teach the basics brilliantly'. The issue was raised by the Ministry of Education in a recent bulletin for school leaders, which regularly lists updates about changes in the education sector. In this, it wrote it was aware of 'some errors' in the maths resources being funded by the Ministry of Education. 'Our resource providers regularly review their print and digital resources to correct any errors that have been reported, and to ensure accuracy,' the bulletin added. It is asking school leaders to inform the ministry of any potential further errors. A dedicated reporting channel has been provided to support schools through any issues that may arise. The Ministry of Education is promising to continue to keep schools informed, and has said any future updates or corrections will continue to be documented. Azaria Howell is a multimedia reporter working from Parliament's press gallery. She joined NZME in 2022 and became a Newstalk ZB political reporter in late 2024, with a keen interest in public service agency reform and government spending.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
TPPA Survey Reveals School Readiness Crisis In Tai Tokerau
'Over 50% of Te Tai Tokerau principals report major issues with new entrants.' A new survey by the Tai Tokerau Principals' Association (TPPA) has revealed major concern over the readiness of five-year-olds starting school across Northland, especially in high-equity index (decile 1–3) schools. Half of the region's principals responded to the survey, conducted late last term, highlighting key challenges: Lack of Early Childhood Education (ECE): which has impacted on their oral language, social skills, and self-regulation. Developmental and Behavioural Needs: Tamariki are arriving with significant delays—causing tantrums, aggression, delayed speech, and poor fine motor skills. One in three schools reports regular serious behavioural incidents from 5 year olds Staffing Pressures: 84% of schools have had to hire extra staff —mostly unfunded. 81% of principals say there's a real need for Ministry-funded Reception Classes to help unprepared learners transition into school. TPPA President Brendon Morrissey says schools are under increasing pressure: 'Without urgent investment, we risk burning out educators and setting tamariki up for long-term failure.' TPPA is calling on the Ministry of Education to:
