Next week's budget will designate $100 million over the next four years for hiring expert math teachers and implementing math assessments in primary and intermediate schools.
In a pre-Budget announcement this afternoon, Education Minister Erica Stanford revealed that the majority of the funding, amounting to $56 million, will be allocated to hire the equivalent of 143 full-time math intervention teachers to assist primary school students who are having difficulty with the subject. Additionally, she stated that $40 million will be dedicated to providing small group math tutoring for up to 34,000 students in Years 7 and 8 each year. Stanford also announced that the Government will invest $4 million to create and implement tests that schools can use to assess children's math skills.
"Starting next year, every child will undergo a math assessment during their first two years of school. This assessment will help identify students who may need extra support early in their educational journey," Stanford stated.
She explained that the math intervention teachers would offer similar assistance to what is currently provided for reading and writing.
"This investment ensures that more students receive the expert support they require, precisely when they need it," Stanford added.
She mentioned that the small-group math tutoring would expand on an existing pilot program aimed at helping students who are not yet performing at the expected curriculum level for their age group.
"Math proficiency is a crucial foundation for success in life. Every child should have the chance to feel confident and skilled in math so they can achieve their full potential," she stated.
"By ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter secondary school with a solid understanding of math, we can help them succeed in the co-requisite assessment, NCEA, and in life after school."
Stanford announced that all initiatives would be presented in te reo Māori for students in bilingual or kura kaupapa environments.
She noted that this funding supports the Government's action plan aimed at transforming the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Earlier this year, the Government implemented a new, more rigorous primary school mathematics curriculum.
She explained that the math intervention teachers would offer similar assistance to what is currently provided for reading and writing.
"This investment ensures that more students receive the expert support they require, precisely when they need it," Stanford added.
She mentioned that the small-group math tutoring would expand on an existing pilot program aimed at helping students who are not yet performing at the expected curriculum level for their age group.
"Math proficiency is a crucial foundation for success in life. Every child should have the chance to feel confident and skilled in math so they can achieve their full potential," she stated.
"By ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter secondary school with a solid understanding of math, we can help them succeed in the co-requisite assessment, NCEA, and in life after school."
Stanford announced that all initiatives would be presented in te reo Māori for students in bilingual or kura kaupapa environments.
She noted that this funding supports the Government's action plan aimed at transforming the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Earlier this year, the Government implemented a new, more rigorous primary school mathematics curriculum.
