“When I began visiting schools, teachers consistently told me how difficult it was to teach in open-plan classrooms, and parents also raised strong concerns.
“At the end of 2025, the Ministry of Education launched the Modifying Open Plan Classrooms Initiative and invited schools to register their interest in reinstating classroom walls. A total of 193 schools responded.
“As of June 2026, the Ministry has completed assessments for 46 schools as the first step, with modifications finished at six.
“Schools that have had walls reinstated are reporting overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“Teachers say there is less noise and fewer distractions, stronger student concentration and engagement, and more flexibility in how they teach.
“Quieter classrooms also better support neurodiverse learners and students who need calmer learning environments.
“Children cannot be expected to learn well when surrounded by noise and distractions.”
By the end of the year, at least 38 schools will have received modifications.
The Ministry of Education has also stopped funding new open-plan classroom developments.
The six schools with completed modifications are:
“As of June 2026, the Ministry has completed assessments for 46 schools as the first step, with modifications finished at six.
“Schools that have had walls reinstated are reporting overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“Teachers say there is less noise and fewer distractions, stronger student concentration and engagement, and more flexibility in how they teach.
“Quieter classrooms also better support neurodiverse learners and students who need calmer learning environments.
“Children cannot be expected to learn well when surrounded by noise and distractions.”
By the end of the year, at least 38 schools will have received modifications.
The Ministry of Education has also stopped funding new open-plan classroom developments.
The six schools with completed modifications are:
- Beckenham Te Kura o Puroto
- Foxton Beach School
- Horotiu School
- Karamea Area School
- Levin East School
- Nelson College for Girls
Erica Stanford is the Minister of Education and Minister of Immigration. She has been the National MP for East Coast Bays since the 2017 election. This article was first published HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for joining the discussion. Breaking Views welcomes respectful contributions that enrich the debate. Please ensure your comments are not defamatory, derogatory or disruptive. We appreciate your cooperation.