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Enhanced teaching and learning of comprehension in Years 5–8: Otara Schools

Funding year: 
2005
Duration:
2 years
Organisation: 
University of Waikato
Sector: 
School sector
Project start date: 
January 2005
Project end date: 
January 2007
Principal investigator(s): 
Stuart McNaughton
Research team members: 
Mei Kuin Lai, Meaola Amituanai-Toloa, and Sasha Farry
Research partners: 
Eight Otara Schools: Wymondley Road School, East Tamaki School, Ferguson Intermediate School, Flat Bush School, Mayfield School, Rongomai School, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School, and Yendarra School

Project Description

The schools of South Auckland, which have high proportions of Māori and Pasifika students, have long been described by researchers as sites for low achievement, particularly in literacy (see, for example, Ramsay, Sneddon, Grenfell, & Ford, 1981). However, recent evidence suggests that the disparities between Māori and Pasifika students and other students in reading accuracy have been reduced, and that there has been a substantial reduction in the proportions of students in the lowest bands of achievement. Despite this, the evidence also suggests that at Year 4 and Year 9 the disparities in reading comprehension have continued, if not increased (Crooks & Flockton, 2005).McNaughton, S., Lai, M. K., Amituanai-Toloa, M., & Farry, S. (2008). Enhanced teaching and learning of comprehension in years 5-8: Otara schools. Summary Report. Wellington: Teaching and Learning Research Initiative.