EA Blog

Make yourself a cuppa and sit down to enjoy the Evaluation Associates | Te Huinga Kākākura Mātauranga blog library, a treasure trove of educational insights from our team.

How to retrain your brain for more effective conversations

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.

Top tips to transform problem-solving conversations

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.

The Evolution of Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in New Zealand Schools

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.

ERO’s Making it count: teaching maths in years 1-3

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

Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Our past, our present, and our future.

"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."

Mā te rongo, ka mōhio. From listening, comes knowledge. - Part two

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.

Blueprint for success: designing your school-wide PLD in the new year

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

Maths is more than numbers: how to build strong relationships with mathematics

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

It’s a mind shift. A cross-curricular approach to NCEA literacy

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

Leaders need professional learning too

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.

Improving teaching and learning using a progression-based framework – five things I’ve learnt

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.

Mā te rongo, ka mōhio. From listening, comes knowledge. - Part one

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.

Top 6 tips for planning effective, school-wide professional learning and development

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.

Wellbeing and resilience for beginning principals: nurturing a positive mindset

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

Unlocking the power of evaluation to increase school effectiveness

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.

Caring for ākonga cares for their learning

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

e-asTTle script marking - what’s the point?

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

Critical literacy: a pathway to understanding in Aotearoa New Zealand's histories curriculum

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.

Nourishing curious minds: teaching critical thinking

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

Why critical thinking is critical

Amidst the global interest in AI and ChatGPT, this blog delves into why critical thinking is not just important but absolutely crucial for our learners and our society.

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