School News | Term 4, 2024Literacy is a foundational component of learning which unlocks the rest of the curriculum.
Teachers Key to Latest Literacy Results
13 October 2025
Education Minister Erica Stanford this afternoon published new data showing a significant boost in the reading success of new entrants across the country since mandating structured literacy and the new English curriculum at the start of the year.
Learning MATTERS GM and founder, Carla McNeil, has heaped praise on teachers, school leaders and all the educators involved.
"These are impressive results and are a testimony to the efforts of all the teachers involved who have embraced and continue to support a structured literacy approach with their students."
Ms McNeil says the Learning MATTERS team have seen the best results with a multi-year focus on implementing and building capability in the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices.
"Structured Literacy is not an off-the-shelf programme. Sustainable success, and the intended outcome of building a literate society, will only come with effective, consistent and ongoing work by those at the coalface."
Ms McNeil says the role of literacy in our society is fundamental, and monitoring our progress as a nation is crucial because we can't change what we can't see.
"Literacy capabilities are indicative of future life pathways, and it is critically important that we have a constant and clear picture of where students are at with their reading, spelling and writing across all year levels to make sure educators are appropriately supported to get us to the overarching goal of a fully literate Aotearoa New Zealand."
Learning MATTERS company bio
Learning MATTERS partners with schools, teachers, and specialist educators to build knowledge and guide practice in evidence-based Structured Literacy. We do this using our iDeaL Approach which is founded on the science of reading and provides kaiako with the tools and knowledge needed to deliver systematic, cumulative, and effective foundational literacy instruction. Thousands of teachers across New Zealand use the iDeaL Approach to create inclusive classrooms and enhance literacy outcomes.
Our consultancy support and professional learning and development (PLD) offerings guide and support educators in implementing Structured Literacy, while our Intervention Teaching Certification (LMIT), accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, provides specialist training for those working with students with learning differences. Additionally, through our annual Cultivating the Literacy Landscape Symposium, we bring international expertise to New Zealand, empowering educators to adopt the latest research-based literacy practices.
We are a passionate team with a goal to drive both an andragogical and pedagogical shift in literacy practice, ensuring improved outcomes for students across New Zealand. We believe this can be achieved through a clear and consistent Structured Literacy approach that supports explicit, systematic literacy instruction for learners of all abilities.
Driven by our vision to inspire, enable, and influence education for all, we are committed to ensuring that every learner has the right and opportunity to succeed.
Media contact
Liane Clarke
Marketing and Communications
Email: marketing@learningmatters.co.nz
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Press releases
Education Gazette | June 2024Structured literacy approach is transforming reading outcomes for students.
School News | Term 2, 2024PLD is crucial for ensuring excellence for our ākonga. It's about embracing new learning, enhancing existing skills, and keeping our knowledge up-to-date.
School News | Term 4, 2023Literacy is a fundamental building block for children's educational achievement, their future employment prospects, and their engagement with society outside of school.
School News | Term 3, 2023Ensuring every child receives the necessary support to develop the foundational literacy skills to access their learning can be a complex endeavour, particularly when addressing diverse needs.
School News | Term 2, 2023Whole school PLD focuses are much more likely to lead to consistent, shared knowledge and practice.
School News | Term 1, 2023Understanding ‘Why’ and knowing 'How' we learn to read is vital to be able to support students with a literacy learning difference such as dyslexia.
School News | Term 4, 2022“When reviewing existing programs, or when surveying alternative options, I strongly encourage schools to research providers that build teacher knowledge.”
School News | Term 3, 2022"We must aim for no exclusion by recognising the diversities and responding with a consistent, evidence-based approach." Read Carla's article on a consistent approach.
Education Gazette | March 2022A structured literacy approach is plugging foundational gaps, with fewer children requiring extra support at Holy Family Catholic School, Wanaka.
School News | Term 1, 2022Understanding ‘why’ and having knowledge and tools that align with 'how' we learn to read is vital to be able to put in place the appropriate evidence-based action, strategies and support.
School News | Term 3, 2021 "Learning takes place when you feel safe to engage and when you feel supported." Read Carla's article on building an inclusive literacy environment.
School News | Term 1, 2021 "Will it be you that your students remember in conversations in the years to come?" Read Carla's article from School News.
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