Consultation on national school standards

Public consultation on National Standards for primary and intermediate schools is to take place next month.

Education Minister Anne Tolley said the standards will set "clear expectations" for literacy and numeracy and students performance measured against the standards will be reported clearly to parents.

"Parents want to know how well their children are doing and what they can expect when extra help is needed."

Ministry staff will meet with schools, parents, the community and a Standards Reference Group between May 25 and July 3.

The standards established are to be used in schools by 2010.

They will not be accompanied by national testing in primary and intermediate schools, the minister said.

"There will not be a single test for all students on a single day.

"Teachers will be able to use a range of methods to assess students, and will use their professional judgement to choose which are best."

- NZPA