Pasifika education standards rise, but still lag behind national averages

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Pasifika early childhood education participation rates and national standards achievement levels have increased slightly in the past year, but still remain well below national averages, new figures show.

The data, released today by Education Minister Hekia Parata, shows while Pasifika early childhood education participation has increased by 1.9 percentage points in the last year to reach 88.6 per cent in 2013, it remains below the national average of 95.8 per cent.

The figures also showed 62.6 per cent of Pasifika students were achieving at or above the National Standard in reading, 59.7 per cent in mathematics and 56.8 per cent in writing - a three-point increase on 2012.

However, the figures were still well below the national average of 77.4 per cent in reading, 73.6 per cent in mathematics and 70 per cent in writing.

The information provided the public with metrics on education performance, so parents and the wider community knew where success was occurring and where achievement could be lifted, Ms Parata said.

"This information provides us with a clear picture of participation rates of our Pasifika children in early childhood education, achievement in National Standards at primary school, and NCEA success.

"Being armed with this information means everyone involved can contribute to achieving better outcomes for Pasifika learners - from teachers and schools to parents, aiga [family] and communities.''

The Government wanted to see Pasifika students participate, engage and achieve more in education, Ms Parata said.

"We want to see them choosing pathways to higher education, to further training, or to employment.

"This Government's education plan is about giving all of our children a better education and raising achievement for five out of five of our kids. We are determined to see Pasifika achievement continue to rise as part of that plan.''

The latest Pasifika profile shows:

* Early Childhood Education: participation has increased by 1.9 points since 2012 to reach 88.6 per cent in 2013 - below the national average of 95.8 per cent

* National standards: 62.6 per cent of Pasifika students are achieving at or above the National Standard in reading; 59.7 per cent in mathematics and 56.8 per cent in writing compared to the national average of 77.4 per cent in reading, 73.6 per cent in mathematics and 70 per cent in writing

* The percentage of Pasifika students achieving NCEA levels 1 and 2 increased in 2012. Figures for 18-year-olds achieving at level 2 rose by 2.6 per cent from 2011 to 68.1 per cent