The Education Ministry's considering changes to new literacy and numeracy tests like fewer questions, simpler language and letting students use spell-check.
Documents obtained by RNZ show the Education Ministry and Qualifications Authority have been at odds about the tests' high failure rates.
In a pilot last year, there was a 34 percent pass rate in writing, 56 percent in maths, and 64 percent in reading.
NZ Initiative Senior Fellow Michael Johnston says the Ministry's clutching at straws.
He says it's spent decades presiding over declining standards while ignoring science on the best way to teach those key skills.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com