Raising achievement in schools

John Key Hekia Parata Prime Minister Education

Raising achievement in schools

In his first major speech of 2014, Prime Minister John Key announced the National-led Government will invest an extra $359 million over the next four years to lift the achievement of New Zealand students at school.

The National-led Government believes every child deserves the best education possible, and providing a great education means we need to keep our best teachers in the classroom and to strengthen leadership in our schools.

Our current system often leads teachers to move out of the classroom to advance their careers, meaning our children can lose the opportunity to learn from the best.

The next stage in the Government’s plan to raise achievement is to recognise excellent teachers and principals, keep good teachers in the classroom and share expertise across schools.

To do that we’re introducing four new roles in our schools – Executive Principal, Expert Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Change Principal.

[Click here to see the new roles at a glance]

International evidence and New Zealand-based research clearly shows that in schools, quality of teaching is the most important factor in a child’s education. The next biggest influence is school leadership.

“Top school systems pay attention to how they select and train their staff, they watch how they improve the performance of teachers who are struggling and how to structure teachers’ pay and career. They provide intelligent pathways for teachers to grow in their careers with an environment in which teachers work together to frame good practice.

“The reforms now being introduced (in New Zealand), with real career paths, support and evaluation, and recognition including monetary rewards, hold the promise for New Zealand to join that group of countries.”
- Andreas Schleicher, Deputy Director for Education and Skills for the OECD

What we are doing is designed to give teachers the opportunity to further their careers while staying in the classroom and to strengthen leadership in schools, by recognising the best principals with a proven track record, and helping them to support and mentor others.

In the end, these initiatives are about ensuring every New Zealand child gets the best education possible.

Video: Prime Minister John Key

Video: Education Minister Hekia Parata

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Prime Minister John Key:

Speech to the West Auckland Business Club

Media release:PM announces $359m education investment

Minister of Education Hekia Parata:

Media release: $359m for teaching & leadership career pathways

Background information:

FAQs (pdf 40.26 KB)

Table of new roles (pdf 21.06 KB)