Phonics checks
23 September, 2024
As part of bringing structured literacy into all schools and kura, we are introducing a phonics check from January 2025. This work is part of the new education priorities:
- Smarter assessment and reporting: Implementing consistent modes of checking student progress and achievement
- Stronger learning support: Targeting effective learning support interventions for students with additional needs.
- Greater use of data: Using data and evidence to drive consistent improvement
Phonics check for English-medium schooling
A phonics check trial is being carried out in schools in October, to ensure the assessment is fit for purpose and to get feedback to support implementation from January 2025. A representative sample of 70-80 schools around the country are taking part in the trial. The results of the trial will primarily be used to ensure the phonics check is suitable for New Zealand, set appropriate achievement expectations, and improve the guidance and supports for schools.
What is the phonics check?
The phonics check is a short assessment that helps teachers identify how well a child can decode the sounds that make up words. Children are asked to read aloud from a list of 40 words, made up of both real words and nonsense words. The check is carried out individually, only takes about 5 minutes per child, and will form part of a teacher’s everyday assessment practice.
The phonics check is a way to make sure students are making progress with their phonics learning and provide help early on to those who need it.
The checks will be done at 20 weeks and 40 weeks of schooling, or roughly six months and a year after a child has started school.
Phonics Check (Hihira Weteoro) for te reo Māori settings
For ākonga learning through te reo Māori, a phonics check has been developed for schools and kura under the leadership of te reo Matatini experts, Cath Rau and Hūrae White. The phonics check is a simple way to see how ākonga are progressing in phonics and involves the kaiako taking time to work with ākonga one on one.
At 20 weeks, the check will consist of tasks that assess ākonga ability to hear and distinguish correct sounds.
At 40 weeks, the check will consist of tasks that assess ākonga ability to identify lower case letters.
At 55 weeks, a further suite of assessments is recommended to check that ākonga are progressing well in phonics related skills for successful pānui and tuhituhi.
Hihira Weteoro is being trialled in a representative sample of up to 45 kura from August to October, ahead of full implementation in January 2025. The trial will be valuable for ensuring that the tools and tasks being administered are reliable, consistent, robust, and valid. All tools and tasks will then be made available to all kaiako at the beginning of 2025 for use.
What do schools and kura need to do?
If you are a trial school or kura you will be contacted either by the Ministry or by Kia Ata Mai Educational Trust or Te Hua Kawariki to ask you to be a part of the trial. There will be more information provided then, including support available to schools and kura to help them carry out the trial.