LLA Post-Election Advocacy Update

The LLA team are working hard in the background on the next steps for Aotearoa NZ in implementing evidence-based practice in literacy, sector-wide. With the incoming Government looking to make significant changes to teaching, we are developing a draft policy and implementation white paper to assist the Minister and Ministry's analysis of the issues and decision making.

We intend to consult on this draft policy, and there will be a consultation process communicated shortly. We understand there is a lot at stake, and we need policy that is fit for purpose now, sustainable, and future-proofed.

We know there is some anxiety in the sector, and various views on what policy should look like, hence the importance of a consultation process. Rest assured that LLA is cognisant of concerns among proponents of evidence-based practice, and there is nothing being raised that we haven't already worked to address in our draft policy.

Look for the announcement of the consultation process coming in the next few weeks.

In the previous 12 months there have been massive steps taken across the political spectrum and in schools towards evidenced-based literacy policy and practice. New Zealand schools - leaders and teachers - have done some extraordinary groundbreaking work that has demonstrated what is possible. That work will continue to guide us, along with local and international evidence and experts.

We look forward to working with the sector to take what has been achieved in policy and in practice even further and develop a world-leading policy, implementation plan, and practice for the benefit of all New Zealand’s children and teachers.

Alice Wilson, Chairperson