The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

NZ's key teacher unions now reject classroom streaming. So what's wrong with grouping kids by perceived ability?

  • Written by David Pomeroy, Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education, University of Canterbury
NZ's key teacher unions now reject classroom streaming. So what's wrong with grouping kids by perceived ability?

Aotearoa New Zealand’s high school teachers’ union recently approved a policy[1] to end streaming[2] – also known as “ability grouping” – in New Zealand high schools by 2030. The primary teachers’ union NZEI Te Riu Roa[3] took a similar stance[4] in March 2021.

Supporters of streaming[5] argue it enables teachers to focus on learning that is most appropriate for the particular achievement level of each class, and to direct extra resources to struggling students.

However, organisations including the Ministry of Education[6] and Iwi Chairs Forum[7] have spoken out against streaming, and policies on Māori[8] and Pasifika[9] education describe streaming as harmful and discriminatory.

But for a nation’s two main teacher unions to move so decisively against streaming is, as far as we know, unprecedented internationally.

So what does the new PPTA Te Wehengarua[10] high school teachers’ union policy actually say? And is it backed by research?

We take a closer look at of the core two claims about streaming that have stirred debate[11].

Is streaming really discriminatory and racist?

The PPTA policy[12] claims “streaming creates and exacerbates inequity” and “Māori and Pasifika students bear an inequitable burden” from the harms of streaming.

International research shows that streaming actively widens differences in achievement[13], self-confidence[14], and enjoyment of school[15] between students in high and low streams.

There is also overwhelming national[16] and international[17] evidence that streaming produces racist and classist[18] outcomes and some studies[19] (and the PPTA policy) link streaming to historically racist policies.

Read more: Could academic streaming in New Zealand schools be on the way out? The evidence suggests it should be[20]

Research from England shows a widening gap in both achievement and self-confidence from age 11 to 13 when students are streamed for maths and English. Students in top streams increase in achievement[21] and self-confidence[22] compared to students in middle streams.

But importantly, students in top streams are not necessarily the highest achievers. Evidence[23] has also shown that girls, Black and Asian students are more likely to be allocated to a lower level maths class than White students, regardless of where they should be placed based on achievement. Black or Asian students are also more likely to be allocated to a lower level English class than White students.

In other words, streaming reinforces racial and gender achievement gaps and racist stereotypes, going against the idea that all children get a fair go in our public education system.

Research from Aotearoa also reflects these trends, showing that teachers underestimate the achievement of Māori students and overestimate the achievement of Pākehā students in primary[24], intermediate[25], and secondary[26] schooling.

When teacher expectations are low, the students are placed into low-level ability groups or streams, often completing mundane, repetitive tasks. Certainly, their learning activities are very different to those of students in the top groups or streams.

This creates a visible gap[27] between the higher and lower achievers. As students go through school, the gap gets wider. Students become disillusioned, lose self-esteem, motivation and engagement when they are continually told through grouping and streaming that they are “not good enough”.

Yet, when students from lower-level groups or streams are given the same opportunities[28] as those in the top groups, they do just as well[29] as those who supposedly had more ability.

Proponents of streaming argue that all students are equal but learn differently, however, the very structure of the streaming system communicates a different message[30].

Is the proposal to end streaming by 2030 realistic?

So what needs to happen to make the PPTA’s new policy a reality?

It is very possible for streaming and ability grouping to end in Aotearoa by 2030, but it will take a massive and coordinated effort[31].

Moving away from streaming and ability grouping will work best if everyone works together – including teachers, principals and others working in schools along with government agencies like the Ministry of Education, New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the Teaching Council.

Iwi[32] (Māori tribal) groups and the wider community[33] have a role to play as well.

Read more: 'Is this really fair?' How high school students feel about being streamed into different classes based on 'ability'[34]

It is essential that we have a shared understanding of why the change is important and a shared plan for how to get there.

If streaming and ability grouping is to be removed from our schools, then something needs to be put in its place. We need to keep developing and sharing effective ways[35] of teaching without streaming[36].

Successfully moving away from these practices is a multi-year project for a school. Transitions that are not well planned can lead to the failure of de-streaming initiatives, and strong leadership is vital to support sustainable reform.

Teachers are already under huge workload pressure, so this needs to be supported with time for them to learn and plan.

With brave leadership, careful and coordinated change, professional development and – most importantly – government investment to support schools through the change, by 2030 we might very well be living in a streaming-free Aotearoa.

References

  1. ^ policy (www.ppta.org.nz)
  2. ^ streaming (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk)
  3. ^ NZEI Te Riu Roa (nzei.org.nz)
  4. ^ stance (www.nzei.org.nz)
  5. ^ Supporters of streaming (www.newstalkzb.co.nz)
  6. ^ Ministry of Education (www.education.govt.nz)
  7. ^ Iwi Chairs Forum (iwichairs.maori.nz)
  8. ^ Māori (www.education.govt.nz)
  9. ^ Pasifika (www.education.govt.nz)
  10. ^ PPTA Te Wehengarua (www.ppta.org.nz)
  11. ^ debate (www.newstalkzb.co.nz)
  12. ^ policy (www.ppta.org.nz)
  13. ^ achievement (bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  14. ^ self-confidence (discovery.ucl.ac.uk)
  15. ^ enjoyment of school (eprints.gla.ac.uk)
  16. ^ national (www.newsroom.co.nz)
  17. ^ international (www.sfusdmath.org)
  18. ^ classist (www.tandfonline.com)
  19. ^ studies (www.repository.cam.ac.uk)
  20. ^ Could academic streaming in New Zealand schools be on the way out? The evidence suggests it should be (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ achievement (doi.org)
  22. ^ self-confidence (discovery.ucl.ac.uk)
  23. ^ Evidence (bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  24. ^ primary (researchspace.auckland.ac.nz)
  25. ^ intermediate (researchspace.auckland.ac.nz)
  26. ^ secondary (www.academia.edu)
  27. ^ creates a visible gap (www.educationalleaders.govt.nz)
  28. ^ same opportunities (mted.merga.net.au)
  29. ^ just as well (www.youcubed.org)
  30. ^ different message (www.youcubed.org)
  31. ^ it will take a massive and coordinated effort (www.tandfonline.com)
  32. ^ Iwi (maoridictionary.co.nz)
  33. ^ community (core-ed.org)
  34. ^ 'Is this really fair?' How high school students feel about being streamed into different classes based on 'ability' (theconversation.com)
  35. ^ effective ways (discovery.ucl.ac.uk)
  36. ^ teaching without streaming (core-ed.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/nzs-key-teacher-unions-now-reject-classroom-streaming-so-whats-wrong-with-grouping-kids-by-perceived-ability-192007

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...