Has a gap in old-school handwriting and spelling tuition contributed to NZ's declining literacy scores?

Christine Braid

By Christine Braid
Community contribution / March 22, 2021

The recently reported decline in student performance in international tests for literacy, science and maths confirmed a view in some quarters that New Zealand’s curriculum is in need of an overhaul.

Notably, the New Zealand Principals’ Federation called for increased leadership and direction from the Ministry of Education. Federation president Perry ...

Year 6 Primary Classroom Teacher (Fixed Term Contract for Term 4, 2026) - Our Lady Help of Christians School, Earlville - Our Lady Help of Christians School

Catholic Education - Diocese of Cairns Earlville

Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Earlville are welcoming applications for a Year 6 Classroom Teacher on a Fixed Term Contract for Term 4, 2026.

Teaching - Primary / Sep 03, 2026

Information Technology Teacher

Penola Catholic College - Senior School Broadmeadows VIC

We have a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and engaging Information Technology Teacher to join Penola Catholic College and teach in an innovative and contemporar...

Teaching - Secondary / Sep 03, 2026

Head of eLearning

Hume Anglican Grammar Mickleham VIC

Join us as Head of eLearning to lead innovative technology integration, inspire teachers, and enhance learning outcomes across our growing School!

School Management / Sep 03, 2026

Community / International Literacy Day of particular importance to students with dyslexia

International Literacy Day held each year on September 8th is a chance to come together as educators to celebrate what it means to be part of the literacy journey for all students.

School news / ‘Humiliated and violated’: school deepfake victims reveal toll of perpetrator’s actions

A mother has revealed her anguish over how and when to tell her young daughter she had been targeted by a deepfake image creator who distributed sexualised pictures.

School news / Teachers say one third of learning time is lost to student misbehaviour: new study

Almost one third of lesson time is lost to student misbehaviour in Australian classrooms, a new study has warned, suggesting repeated low-level disruptions that can derail learning and escalate into more violent behaviour have become normalised.

School news / Nation-leading AI rule change for students a step in the right direction: expert

An Australian-first move to limit take-home assessments for Year 10-12 students has been given the thumbs up by an AI in education expert who calls it “a step that needed to be taken”.

School news / ‘It breaks my heart to leave’: escalating sexism, misogyny driving teachers from public schools

The largest survey investigating how teachers are experiencing sexism, misogyny and sexual harassment in Australian schools has unveiled the true scale of the problem, warning governments must act now to address the worsening gendered violence as ...

School news / Harsher crackdowns needed: big tech accused of radicalising teenage boys over sex

Social media empires are being put on notice for content that promotes controlling, violent sexual acts.

School news / A fighting chance: we must teach our kids about saving, borrowing and managing financial risk

Around 8.5 million Australian adults lack basic financial literacy – that’s about 45 per cent of the adult population. It’s leading to severe personal and societal consequences and it’s something schools simply have to start prioritising, accordin...

School news / Indigenous Literacy Day: celebrating First Nations peoples’ stories, cultures and languages

Children, Elders, musicians, authors, artists and astrophysicists are convening at the Sydney Opera House this week for the 19th Indigenous Literacy Day.

School news / The eyes have it: no smart glasses ban as traders told to police use

The attorney-general has defended Labor’s decision not to crack down on the import of smart glasses, instead calling on businesses and local councils to step up enforcement.

School news / Scholarship helped disadvantaged student overcome incredible odds and soar

Growing up in poverty, James Bow was well aware there were things his family could not afford that other children took for granted.

Comments