Large numbers of recently-appointed primary teachers lack the most basic school qualifications in science and maths, new research shows.
The Institute of Economic Research says the results of its study – which analysed the school qualifications of primary teachers who started work between 2017 and 2022 – are alarming.
It found a quarter attempted one or more NCEA level 1 maths standards, but did not get the 14 credits required for an endorsement, the benchmark required to “pass” a subject.
It said 58 percent fell short at level 1 science, while 14 percent of those studying level 1 English did not get 14 credits.
“In maths, an average of 25 percent of new teachers employed between 2017 and 2022 had failed to gain an Achieved level endorsement at Level 1. This means, on average, a quarter of all new primary school teachers who attempted could not pass at a basic level, the compulsory maths required of 15-year-olds in New Zealand,” the report said.
“If that result is concerning, then the science results are alarming indeed: people who were new primary school teachers between 2017 and 2022 had failure rates in Level 1 science, averaging 58 percent. That is, most new primary school teachers who attempted failed to pass at a basic level the compulsory science required of 15-year-olds.”
