Back to Basics: How Structured Teaching Is Powering a Student Achievement Comeback

For years, student results in New Zealand have been slipping and the gaps between learners got wider. But things are finally starting to look different. A recent report from the Education Review Office (ERO) shows that students are showing interest towards reading, writing, Math and hopefully or rather importantly, they are enjoying these subjects once again.

Teachers claim that the change comes down to getting the basics of learning right. With the Government backing structured literacy and structured mathematics, classrooms are becoming more focused, lessons are clearer and students are gaining the confidence they need to keep up and push ahead. It is a just simple shift in the approach, but it is a beginning towards making a difference.

Focus on Basics Improving Student Achievement 

For years, student achievement levels were declining causing a persistent concern across New Zealand schools. Now, the latest findings from the Education Review Office (ERO) show that the tables have turned and it is happening faster than expected.

According to ERO, half of all primary school teachers report that their students’ English and Math skills have improved compared to last year. Parents are noticing it too, over three-quarters say their children are making better progress in both subjects. Even students agree, with around 75% saying they are improving, 95% finding English interesting and 86% saying the same about Math.

Teachers also note that structured literacy approaches have done more than boost grades, they have improved focus and behaviour in the classroom too.

Science-Led Teaching Brings Results

Education Minister Erica Stanford says the results reflect what happens when teachers are supported with evidence-based tools and resources.

“We followed the science and gave teachers the support and resources they needed to roll it out,” says Ms Stanford.

So far, 33,000 teachers, that’s around 80% of all Year 0–8 teachers, have either completed or are currently undergoing training in structured literacy. The government also reprioritised $30 million to provide over 1.1 million Math textbooks, workbooks and teacher guides to schools across the country.

Interestingly, ERO found that teachers using these resources were four times more likely to change their teaching practice, a strong indicator that the investment is driving real change in classrooms.

Changing How Schools Teach

The impact has been spread out. Seeing how fast changes are happening, around 80% of teachers have already changed how they teach subjects such as English and maths and all schools are now using specific teaching techniques, focusing on clear, structured instruction rather than leaving students to discover concepts on their own.

A third of teachers have also increased the time spent on reading, writing and maths lessons, with this trend even stronger in lower socio-economic communities, where nearly half of all teachers are focusing more on math.

Equity and Opportunity for Every Student

The government’s goal is simple, to make sure every student, regardless of background, has the tools and teaching support they need to succeed.

“Every student deserves the chance to succeed and go on and live the life they want,” says Ms Stanford. “We’ll continue supporting teachers with the resources they need to help young people reach their potential.”

With structured literacy and mathematics now deeply embedded in the curriculum and a strong focus on teacher training, explicit teaching and student engagement, New Zealand appears to be rebuilding its education system from the ground up and the early signs are promising.