Erica Stanford Leads Strategic Maths Reform Push with Australia Study Tour

In a significant move aimed at transforming mathematics education and closing persistent achievement gaps, New Zealand's Education Minister Erica Stanford is leading a high-level delegation of 15 school leaders to Australia for an intensive learning exchange on explicit mathematics instruction.

The delegation—comprising principals and deputy principals from across New Zealand—will participate in the Maths Fact Fluency Masterclass and the Explicit Mathematics Conference in New South Wales, marking a critical step in the government's broader education reform agenda.

A Data-Driven Push to Lift Maths Outcomes

The visit comes amid growing concern over student performance in mathematics. Recent international assessments such as PISA have shown declining numeracy levels among students in several OECD countries, including New Zealand. Achievement disparities—particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged students—remain a major challenge.

Minister Stanford emphasized that improving mathematics outcomes is central to addressing these inequities.

"Raising student achievement and closing the equity gap are at the heart of our reforms. High-quality maths teaching is not optional—it is foundational," she said.

Education experts globally have increasingly pointed to explicit instruction—a structured, evidence-based teaching method—as one of the most effective approaches for improving learning outcomes, particularly in foundational subjects like mathematics.

Why Australia? Learning from a System in Transition

New South Wales has emerged as a leading case study in implementing structured mathematics instruction at scale. Like New Zealand, many Australian schools are transitioning toward explicit teaching models, but with notable system-wide coordination and measurable early gains.

The New Zealand delegation will engage directly with Australian policymakers, researchers, and classroom practitioners to understand:

• The national and regional shift toward explicit mathematics instruction

• System-level strategies that support consistent teaching quality

• Measurable impacts on student achievement and equity

• Real-world classroom implementation and teacher training models

• Community and parental engagement in curriculum changes

• Challenges encountered during reform and how they were addressed

This hands-on exposure is expected to provide actionable insights that can be adapted to New Zealand's unique educational context.

What is Explicit Mathematics Instruction?

Explicit instruction is a highly structured teaching approach that emphasizes:

• Clear, step-by-step explanations

• Guided practice with immediate feedback

• Regular assessment and reinforcement

• Mastery of foundational concepts before progression

Research indicates that such methods are particularly effective for students who struggle with traditional discovery-based learning, helping to narrow achievement gaps across diverse learner groups.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Education Collaboration

Beyond technical learning, the visit also aims to deepen educational ties between New Zealand and Australia. Minister Stanford noted that the exchange of ideas and experiences is vital for building resilient, future-ready education systems.

"We are committed to following evidence on how children learn best. This visit is about learning from what works internationally and applying those lessons to deliver world-class education for New Zealand students," she said.

The delegation will also present New Zealand's own reform strategies, including curriculum updates, teacher development initiatives, and targeted interventions aimed at improving literacy and numeracy.

A Broader Reform Agenda

The study tour aligns with the New Zealand Government's wider education priorities, which include:

• Strengthening core skills in literacy and numeracy

• Implementing evidence-based teaching practices

• Reducing disparities in student achievement

• Enhancing teacher training and professional development

• Increasing accountability and performance tracking

By focusing on mathematics as a key lever for change, the government aims to build stronger academic foundations that support long-term student success in STEM fields and the broader economy.

Timeline

Minister Stanford departed for New South Wales on Wednesday, March 18, and is scheduled to return to New Zealand on Saturday, March 21.

The outcomes of the visit are expected to inform upcoming policy decisions and implementation strategies as the government accelerates its education reform program.