Education for disabled learners in New Zealand research articles Receiving a quality education, from early childhood education (ECE) through to secondary school, positively affects how well all children and young people do at school and in life – from academic achievement and earning potential to health and wellbeing. Education is even more critical for disabled learners. When disabled learners receive a quality, inclusive education they are more likely to achieve better outcomes, to complete secondary schooling and to go on to further study and employment. This research looks at how well the education system is supporting disabled learners. It found that too many disabled learners are experiencing exclusion. We need to improve education for disabled learners so they can thrive. (Although this research focuses on compulsory schooling, it’s a worthwhile read to support your own disabled learners and whānau when transitioning to school.) Read more here; https://ero.govt.nz/our-research/category/ education-for-disabled-learners-in-new-zealand Duffy’s helping tackle NZ’s growing illiteracy epidemic A Ministry of Education (MoE) 2020 report warns both children and teens are quickly losing proficient reading and writing abilities. Linda Vagana, CEO of Duffy Books in Homes, says her team knows its drive to get books into homes is becoming more and more crucial. The Alan Duff Charitable Foundation, better known as Duffy Books in Homes, is a literacy programme aimed at breaking the cycle of booklessness among children at schools in some lower socio-economic areas throughout New Zealand. The not-for-profit organisation places free, brand-new books in children’s hands through early childhood learning centres, schools and their libraries. Vagana says that the work of the Duffy team is only made possible with help from over 200 generous funding partners, including Ministry of Education, key collaboration with ReadNZ and Storylines, and Duffy Books’ pool of inspirational role models assisting with the provision of gifting brand new books to more than 100,000 New Zealand children three times a year. Established in up to 800 schools and pre-schools nationwide, hundreds of thousands of kiwi kids get to choose up to six brand new books a year. This means the children get to read what they are interested in, keep their books for life, and share them with friends and family. To jump on board as a Duffy sponsor or to become a Duffy school, visit the organisation’s website at www.booksinhomes.org.nz December 2022 { 17 }
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