Source: New Zealand Principals’ Federation
Political parties across the spectrum are backing the case for greater stability and independence in curriculum and assessment. NZ First, Labour, the Greens, and the Opportunity Party have publicly signalled support for a permanent and statutory Curriculum and Assessment Council or approaches that align with key elements of NZPF’s proposal.
“NZPF’s proposed permanent, statutory Curriculum and Assessment Council is designed to give Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system the stability it needs to improve steadily over time, regardless of who is in government,” NZPF President Jason Miles says.
“It is really encouraging to see political parties from across the spectrum recognising the need for greater stability in curriculum and assessment and taking our proposal on board,” he says.
All political parties have been invited to share a blog post to the Aotearoa Educators Collective substack about their party priorities. Here’s what they have said:
- NZ First: “Establishing an Independent Curriculum Council to provide curriculum development advice (and help address speed concerns about curriculum change)”
- Labour: “Labour will restore stability and trust to education. We will guarantee every child strong foundations, protect a distinctly New Zealand curriculum, and put educators and subject experts at the heart of lasting improvement.”
- Greens: “[Greens] support NZPF’s proposal for an independent Curriculum and Assessment Council and [will] restore independence to the Teaching Council”
The Opportunity Party has also committed to establishing an Independent Curriculum and Assessment Council that will “steward the long-term curriculum and assessment direction for early childhood, primary and secondary education”, “maintain consistency across electoral cycles”, and “be given explicit structural protections to preserve professional and technical independence”.
NZPF has been engaging with education spokespeople and party leaders to help them understand what our proposal could mean for New Zealand.
“I am genuinely excited that politicians are delivering on their promises to look beyond short-term electoral cycles and recognising the importance of keeping curriculum and assessment decisions grounded in evidence, professional expertise, and long-term thinking,” Mr Miles says.
“Together, we can make sure that every child has a consistent and coherent learning journey throughout their education,” says Jason Miles.
To demonstrate the breadth and depth of support for the proposal, NZPF is gathering statements from the public for a register. Anyone is welcome to register their support for NZPF’s Council proposal. More information and a link to the register are on the NZPF website: www.nzpf.ac.nz/curriculum-and-assessment-council-proposal
About NZPF
New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) is New Zealand’s leading advocacy group for principals. Its members lead diverse school communities, from remote rural kura to large urban facilities, serving students from all backgrounds and with all learning needs. It is the professional voice for school leaders, equipping principals with the tools, support, and knowledge they need to lead schools where every child can thrive. www.nzpf.ac.nz
About AEC
Aotearoa Educators Collective is an umbrella collective created to support education thought leaders who share a common interest in promoting progressive ideals in education. The group includes academics, principals and teachers and is not aligned to any political party. aecnz.substack.com