Quarter (25%) of NZ schools using Structured Literacy approach

As part of our advocacy work, we try to keep track of the uptake of Structured Literacy in New Zealand schools.

We recently ran a survey to collect information to update our Map of Structured Literacy schools.

According to our information, there are now over 500 schools across New Zealand that are using a structured literacy approach to some extent - with around 45% saying they have already implemented across the whole school. That represents around 25% of all primary schools in New Zealand. There are a few intermediate, secondary and composite schools within that number as well.

Through the survey, we also collected a lot of important feedback that we urge the Ministry of Education to urgently take on board as they work on the finer details of the new Common Practice Model. We have summarised the feedback and collated quotes into this report. This includes feedback from teachers and Principals on:

• Why they made the change away from Balanced Literacy/Whole Language to Structured Literacy.

• The positive impacts/results they have seen so far from making this change.

• How they have gone about implementing the change.

• The challenges they have faced, or continue to face, and the changes they would like to see.

• Their experience with the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) professional development.

• Their feedback on the Ready to Read Phonics Plus books.

• Their experience with Reading Recovery and its ‘refresh’ and access to funding for Tier 3 intervention support/teachers.

• What their next steps are.

There is also some feedback from homeschooling parents and Te Reo Māori Medium kura.

We received 307 responses. The survey was open for one month from 28 June to 31 July 2023 and was promoted through Facebook and Education Gazette.