Education Ministry seeks new national reading and math tests

Primary school principals are surprised by the government’s announcement to create a national testing system for reading, writing, and math. The Education Ministry has issued a request for proposals to develop a standardized assessment tool for students in Years 3 to 10. The new tests aim to be given twice a year and are part of the government's strategy to enhance literacy and numeracy among children. Previously, testing was limited to Years 3 to 8. Leanne Otene, president of the Principals Federation, has raised concerns that a foreign company might develop the new test. This possibility worries many educators who prefer local solutions for measuring student progress.