With the introduction of the Phonics Checks for use in all NZ schools in 2025, this workshop facilitated by Deb Masters from the Ministry of Education is an opportunity to learn about the dual purposes of the checks – their role in teaching and learning in the classroom and also how the results can be used to inform system-wide approaches to early literacy development. The workshop looks at the implementation of the checks this year (2025) as well as what will change when the online administration processes are ready to use from 2026.
Deb Masters has been working in the New Zealand assessment community for over 20 years and has a passion for all things assessment and its place within teaching and learning. She is currently the Chief Adviser for Assessment and Aromatawai with the Ministry of Education. She advises on assessment and aromatawai policy and strategy – and also works in practical areas of assessment tool development. She has led the team in the Ministry to design, develop and implement the Phonics Checks.
Find Deb’s presentation slides here: Deb Masters Phonics Checks NZAI 2025
