27 May 2025

Learning support budget fails to deliver genuine reform: researcher

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 27 May 2025
A view from behind of teacher aide and two little girls while rest of class taught  further into classroom.

A teacher aide works with special needs students at Newmarket School in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen

Last week's budget contained a big boost for learning support - described as a "seismic shift" by the Minister of Education. 

The $747-million package will be spent on more specialist staff, teacher aide hours, support for the youngest children, and classrooms for specialist schools serving children with disabilities. 

However, specialist teaching roles in literacy and Maori are to be axed. 

The overall budget package has been welcomed by many in the sector, which has been crying out for more resourcing. 

The Aotearoa Educators' Collective -  a grouping of education leaders and researchers - says there are positive steps, but genuine system reform is still missing. 

Kathryn speaks with Dr Sarah Aiono, a researcher from the AEC and CEO of Longworth Education.