Insight for Sunday 15 September 2013
Radio New Zealand’s Education Correspondent, John Gerritsen says the national standards in reading, writing and maths have been compulsory in schools for nearly four years.
They were introduced despite significant opposition by teachers and principals, many of whom still fear the standards will have negative effects.
So what impact are they having?
Insight speaks to teachers, principals and parents to find out if the national standards are improving New Zealand's schools, or damaging them.