In relation to English language learners, the NZC states:
“Each learning area has its own language or languages. As students discover how to use them, they find they are able to think in different ways, access new areas of knowledge, and see their world from new perspectives. For each area, students need specific help from their teachers as they learn:
- the specialist vocabulary associated with that area
- how to read and understand its texts
- how to communicate knowledge and ideas in appropriate ways
- how to listen and read critically, assessing the value of what they hear and read.
In addition to such help, students who are new learners of English or coming into an English-medium environment for the first time need explicit and extensive teaching of English vocabulary, word forms, sentence and text structures, and language uses. As language is central to learning and English is the medium for most learning in the New Zealand Curriculum, the importance of literacy in English cannot be overstated.”
Tools to assist with tracking learner progress
The key document to assist with tracking learner progress is the English Language Learning Progressions.
In years 0–8, student progress is tracked using the ELLP matrices.
In years 9–13, student progress is tracked using a combination of the ELLP matrices and national qualifications.
Other formal and informal assessment are also used.