New literacy standards are coming, but what about conversational literacy?

July 2024 Radio NZ Interview:

Improving the reading and writing skills of Aotearoa's school children is a massive focus of the government which is introducing a structured literacy approach for all state schools from 2025.

Some argue the focus on structured literacy and phonics testing is putting the cart before the horse, with many five-year-olds arriving at school without the skills needed to communicate.

Soon children aged three to six in the Nelson region will be given the chance to take part in a pilot programme which covers the skills involved in talking, using words and conversing with others.

RNZ Interview with Oracy Aotearoa Spokesperson Mary Ellen O'Connor 9 July 2024.