EA Blog

As schools look to choose new structured mathematics resources, many principals are evaluating the textbook-based programmes being offered by the Ministry of Education. We’ve fielded calls from principals, deputy principals, and mathematics leads across the country asking us for advice on which materials to choose. With a short deadline for decision-making, I’ve outlined some key considerations for those thinking about using mathematics textbooks and programmes to support teaching.

The complexity of the middle leader’s role is not to be underestimated. To mediate the tensions within the dichotomous nature of their role, middle leaders must be proficient in collaboratively solving achievement problems that impact teaching and learning.

Although leaders advocate for high-quality conversations, research shows that despite their best intentions, their approach to conversations may be undermining their quest to improve student achievement.

Join Janine Simpson, an experienced education consultant and former school leader, as she takes us through the evolutionary journey of Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs). From their early inception to the latest updates, she highlights how these tools have transformed to meet contemporary educational demands. Dive into the recent enhancements of PAT Mathematics and the newly introduced PAT Pāngarau and PAT Pānui. Discover Janine's invaluable tips on utilising PATs effectively to make informed decisions that enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

Discover Heather's insights on the ERO's latest report and explore the perspective on enhancing early years mathematics in this blog post.

"As educators, we need to comprehensively understand Te Tiriti, the history and its ongoing impacts; and to continue to strive for what we know is important: for excellence and equity for ākonga Māori and all learners."

This is the second of three blogs that explores the extent to which our ākonga Māori are currently enjoying and achieving educational success as Māori.

This blog outlines some key points leaders should consider as they plan for meaningful professional learning in their school or kura.  

PLD consultant Heather Lewis shares strategies to help students build positive relationships with mathematics.

This blog describes how one secondary school is enacting the mantra that ‘every teacher is a teacher of literacy’.

Megan shares her insights about why and how leaders should make time for their own development as they plan their strategy for the year ahead.

Nadine has been supporting many schools to implement the Curriculum Progress Tools in reading, writing and maths over the past few years. She shares five ways the progression-based frameworks have improved teaching programmes and student learning outcomes.

Young ākonga Māori tell principals how they need to be supported. This is the first of several blogs focused on the importance of correct pronunciation.

Across the country, school leaders are actively planning for their team’s professional learning and development (PLD) for the upcoming school year. Term three is where leaders work on their 2024 strategic plans, consider their budgets, and think about applying for Ministry-funded professional learning.

Leadership advisor Diana Peri shares ideas with beginning principals on nurturing a positive mindset to navigate the challenges that come with the role.

Evaluation can make a significant contribution to improving education outcomes. In this blog Dr Melanie Atkinson shares steps to build internal evaluative capability and practices within schools.

Saga reflects on her teaching practice and presents five key approaches for teachers to build learning-focused relationships with students.

Garry offers 8 tips to help you get the best out of e-asTTle script marking in the most efficient and professional way possible.

This is the third blog in Renée's critical thinking series. She explores the crucial role critical literacy and the inquiry practices of Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories curriculum play in the vision of the future.

Renée demonstrates critical thinking skills through different approaches providing insights on the impacts on learners in a classroom.