Student, whānau and parent insights for the Literacy & Communication and Maths Strategy

Project lead: Annalise Myers

Commissioned by the Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga in 2023, this research focused on gathering diverse perspectives from students, whānau and parents to understand students’ engagement with literacy & communication and maths subjects.

In mid-2023 qualitative discussion groups were held with students, whānau and parents in two Early Childhood Centres and eight English-medium schools across Aotearoa New Zealand. 213 students, from ECE settings to high school, and 116 whānau and parents (nearly 200 individuals) participated in this research.

There was significant engagement with ākonga Māori and their whānau (48%). Neurodivergent learners comprised 21% of the participant group.

The insights gained from this research will be used to design more effective and engaging solutions for literacy & communication and maths learning, tailored to the needs and experiences of students.