Work on new assessment and aromatawai tool underway

26 March, 2025

As part of the ‘Teaching the Basics Brilliantly’ work programme to lift student outcomes we’re developing a coherent, whole-of-pathway approach to assessment and aromatawai. This includes continuing to offer supports and services such as PLD, resources, targeted supports such as accelerative supports for learners and the delivery of assessment and aromatawai tools.  

Good quality data about students’ learning is critical to reporting and monitoring to inform teaching and learning, timely information to parents, whānau and caregivers, and decisions at every level of the education system to ensure every learner is meeting their full potential.  

We’re focussed on making sure teachers and kaiako have access to reliable tools and supports. The introduction of the Phonics Checks and Hihira Weteoro for students in their early years of school or kura is the first of these new tools. The next step is looking at an assessment and aromatawai tool to improve the quality of information available for years 3-10. 

We have investigated the long-term use of e-asTTle. Whilst the e-asTTle tool was world leading in its time our review revealed technical limitations and that the content does not align to the updated New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. Therefore, the Government has made the decision to invest in a new tool to support teachers to monitor and report on student progress.   

The new bi-lingual tool will have many of the best features of e-asTTle but will also be fit for the future, with the benefits of up-to-date technology and assessment tasks aligned to the new curricula. We are looking for a tool that’s already been proven to be effective and can be adapted for our unique New Zealand context.  

The first stage in bringing this tool to life is underway, with the Ministry issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking national or international providers to work with us on a tool that is aligned to the updated New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.  

It's anticipated the new tool will be ready for use by 2026, with training and support available to help teachers and kaiako to start using it during Term 4, 2025. 

Further information about our work on assessment and aromatawai practices and tools is outlined in this information sheet: Assessment and aromatawai practices and tools