Structured literacy is an evidence-based approach (Brady, 2011; Fletcher et al., 2007; Foorman et al., 2016; IDA, 2018; NRP, 2000; TKI 2020a) informed by the science of reading acquisition instruction and how the brain acquires and processes information (Reyna, 2004; Seidenberg, 2017). The literature examines how this approach could support…

Teacher-talk is a key tool for engaging students in learning. This report examines a process whereby data was used to support teachers in reflecting on their teacher-talk. The context for the study was a small rural New Zealand area school with predominantly Maori students and staff. Emphasis was on strategies that engage, in particular, Maori…

This article describes the Ministry of Education's Inclusive Education Capability Building Project (2013-2014). Project members were tasked with creating resources for professional development that would be used to grow inclusive practice in New Zealand schools. This article also shares the learning journey of some members of the project team as…

The Ministry of Education has set the target of 100% of New Zealand schools to be "mostly" inclusive by 2014. But what are the essential elements of inclusion? This paper explores essential core elements that allow inclusion to flourish. Based on an extensive time in the field as part of a year-long doctoral research project, these…

The purpose of this journal article is to investigate evidence-based practice (EBP) or He Ritenga Whaimohio, as one of the seven principles outlined in the "Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) Toolkit" (2011) that guides RTLB practice; and to critique the principle of EBP through practical reflection. (Contains 2 tables and 2…

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder resulting from chromosome 21 having three copies (trisomy 21). Cognitive functioning and anatomical features cause speech and language development delay (Kumin, 2003). Children with DS generally enjoy communication (Schoenbrodt, 2004), and respond well to interaction and social scripts. Music therapy has…

In this study, qualitative evidence is collected--through classroom observations and teacher and student interviews--to study the effect of metacognition and the interaction between students' observable cognitive behaviour and the instructional task. This qualitative data is analysed to identify what factors support and improve students'…

Gifted students have different learning, social and emotional needs to their peers. The needs of some gifted students can be met within their mainstream school. Other gifted students need learning, social and emotional support beyond the school gates. The New Zealand Ministry of Education (2000) advocates for a continuum of provisions for gifted…

This seven month trial was undertaken to determine if the Fonetik spelling system (Jackson, 1994) enabled students with and without spelling difficulties to enhance their regular spelling scores. A sample of 270 students aged between 8 and 13 years were involved. The students were based in 8 schools within an RTLB cluster. The Fonetik system was…

The purpose of this study was to capture a sense of the experience of facilitators working with schools and teachers on the Enhancing Effective Practice in Special Education (EEPiSE) project. Facilitation skills are often used in educational contexts in a variety of forms and for a variety of purposes. A considerable body of literature provides…

Bullying occurs in most schools and happens to students no matter how capable, popular and well-adjusted they are. This paper reports on a study that examines the nature and extent of bullying and explores the context of bullying and school violence in New Zealand schools. Approximately 1370 students from seven primary and three secondary schools…