This study is a collaboration between NZCER and the Educational Assessment Research Unit (EARU) of the University of Otago, on contract to the Ministry of Education. The project director is Alison Gilmore, from the University of Otago.

The aim is to assess and understand student achievement. It will monitor a nationally representative sample of students in Years 4 and 8 in English-medium schools, using a combination of survey assessments (involving 2000-4000 students) and in-depth assessments (600-800 students). These assessments will cover all learning areas of the New Zealand Curriculum, including key competencies.