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2014 No 2, June

Tēnā koutou katoa

Thank you for reading the second issue for 2014 of our e-ResearchEd.

We've got a wide array of new reports, resources, books and journals to tell you about. As always, we hope you will find these useful in your work.

Nā mātou

Latest primary and intermediate school survey

We've released our latest report presenting the main findings from the NZCER national survey of primary and intermediate schools, which was conducted in July and August, 2013. It's an interesting look into the views of principals, teachers, boards of trustees and parents. It covers many aspects of school experiences including school resources, school interactions with government agencies, the New Zealand Curriculum in schools, National Standards, student wellbeing and the use of technology.

Special "Future Education" and Anniversary Collection of set coming out soon

set: Research Information for Teachers celebrates its 40th year of publication this year.

To mark this anniversary, our first 2014 issue of set will focus on the theme of "Future education". It will be released to online subscribers next week and print editions will be sent to mailboxes the following week.

We are also excited to announce that we will be releasing a special Anniversary Collection of set. This issue will include some of the most original and influential articles from 1974 to today. All New Zealand subscribers will receive a bound print copy of this edition for no additional cost. To subscribe, email subscriptions@nzcer.org.nz.


Key Competencies for the Future was successfully launched on 29 May.

“For busy educators, the easy conversational style of the text is a great hook to what are sometimes quite complex ideas. Yes it’s readable, but it’s more than that. It really feels as if you’re part of the conversation,” said Frances Nelson, Principal at Fairburn School and NZCER board member, who officially launched the book.

In one short video the authors discuss what teachers, school leaders, families and community members will get out of the book.

In this video they talk about their values and how they helped frame the discussions in the book.


The Assessment Resource Banks (ARBs) makeover

The Assessment Resource Banks have been getting a serious upgrade, with a new easy to use platform and a host of new features. Teachers now have the chance to explore the new ARB website. 

Features include:

  • Unique log-ins for teachers so you can select and store your resources

  • New interactive online tasks

  • Ability to post hyperlinks for students to complete tasks online

  • Ability for students to share their results via email or download

  • Improved search facility

  • Preview tasks from the search results

The ARB team is gradually migrating existing ARB items onto the new site – so far about 1000 of the 2900 resources in English, Maths and Science are available. We have also re-developed 150 resources into an interactive online format. If you would like to check it out, all you need to do is register.  Go to http://live.arb.nzcer.org.nz to create your unique account. We would love to hear what you think, either through feedback on the site or by emailing us on arbs@nzcer.org.nz.


EVENT: Future-oriented science conference on 21 October

Anyone interested in science education should diary Tuesday 21 October and come along to the NZCER conference, Building future-oriented science education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

It is being held at the Rydges Hotel in Wellington and will be of interest to science educators, teachers, policy makers and the science community. This one-day conference will draw on recent New Zealand research findings on the teaching and learning of science and highlight examples of innovative practice. The intention is to bring together the knowledge and thinking of those passionate about strengthening the quality of science learning experienced by young students. This conference aims to make a contribution to practice, policy and research.

More details to come, or email workshops@nzcer.org.nz with “Science” in the subject line to be added to a list for email updates.


Peter Smith was one of New Zealand’s most influential art educators. During his 50-year career as a well-loved teacher, role model, mentor, and leader in educational policy he elevated the status and value of New Zealand art education to both national and international acclaim.

To know Peter's life and legacy is to understand the evolution of art education in New Zealand from World War II to today. It is an inspiring account of how one teacher/artist's journey helped change a nation's landscape.


Education Adviser here to help

Our Education Adviser Cathie Johnson has been working with schools all over the country to help teachers and school leaders collate and analyse their assessment data and offering them ways to drill down into the data for specific information.

Cathie is an ex-principal and has a deep knowledge of NZ schooling and assessment. She is familiar with the demands placed on schools and here to help schools meet those expectations. Teachers and school leaders can call Cathie to discuss online reports in confidence for free.  Cathie is also available to run staff meetings in person or remotely on tools and assessment procedures. Contact her to see how she can help your school by emailing educationadviser@nzcer.org.nz or calling 04 802 1386.

You can also check out our Assessment Blog, where Cathie and other assessment experts weigh in on some important and informative issues.


NZCER on Facebook and Twitter

Stay up-to-date with all our latest research, products and services, and ideas around education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.