Curriculum Insights and Progress Study: Algebra, spatial reasoning and mathematical language at Years 3, 6 and 8 Publications
Publication Details
This dashboard presents snapshots of student thinking in three areas of mathematics: algebra, spatial reasoning, and mathematical language. It shows how students are engaging with ideas from the 2024 refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, with a particular focus on working with increasingly abstract concepts across Years 3, 6, and 8.
Author(s): The Educational Assessment Research Unit (EARU) at the University of Otago, and the New Zealand Council for Educational research (NZCER). Report for the Ministry of Education.
Date Published: May 2026
Curriculum context
The Mathematics and statistics learning area assessments were administered in Term 3 of 2024 and were informed by the 2024 refreshed New Zealand Curriculum.
Although not aligned with the current gazetted version of the learning area, these reports provide insights into student engagement, teaching practices, and learning experiences during a period of curriculum transition.
About the assessment
In the mathematics study, students participated in a range of activities designed to give rich insights into their thinking and learning. Students completed paper-based tasks independently, took part in one-on-one interviews that explored their thinking in depth, and participated in small-group tasks that encouraged discussion and shared problem solving. These activities were facilitated by trained Kaiako Rangahau (Teacher Researchers) and took place over two to three days at each school.
More information is available on the website of the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study.
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