Skip to main content

The Common Practice Model –
lifting achievement in foundational skills

29 August 2023

Photo of three children smiling

Literacy & communication and maths are foundational skills that are key to all learners’ progress, achievement, and wellbeing. Over the past few years, we have heard clearly from school leaders and teachers that more certainty, direction and support is needed for teaching and learning in literacy and maths.  

To that end, we have been working with the sector to create more clarity for teachers about what works best, to make sure all students make progress in these foundational areas. One of the solutions we have created is the Common Practice Model.  

The Common Practice Model is an important part of the Literacy & Communication and Maths Strategy and Action Plans. It describes the principles, evidence-informed pedagogical approaches, and practices that support teaching and learning in literacy, communication, and maths through Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum and Te Mātaiaho, the refreshed New Zealand curriculum. 

Importantly, the progress outcomes within the model help teachers track students’ progress through Te Mātaiaho, helping teachers notice where students are in their learning journey so they can adapt and better support individual learners.  

The Common Practice Model has been developed by education experts, with input from inclusion specialists, whānau, and people with lived experience of a disability or a diverse learning need. It has been designed to be easy to follow, adding to teachers’ existing expertise and providing clarity and confidence about the teaching and learning that works. 

To support its implementation, the Ministry is providing a range of resources and professional learning opportunities for teachers which will be available from Term 1 2024.  

An early draft of the Common Practice Model was released in March 2023, and the full version will be released in Term 4, 2023. 

 

Find out more here: 

Literacy & Communication and Maths Strategy – Education in New Zealand 

Common Practice Model – Education in New Zealand