Hanah O'Regan - 26.01.23

WHAT Hanah gave a very powerful and emotive talk. So much so, that I felt compelled to listen intently to what she was saying without being distracted by taking notes. Hanah spoke about historical injustices that Māori have experienced, which continue to impact on Māori students in this current age. SO WHAT/NOW WHAT One area she touched on was the negative impact streaming can have on Māori students. As primary school teachers, one way that streaming can occur is through ability grouping. For the last few years I have run mixed ability maths groups. This year I intend to extend this to my literacy groups as well. After reading several articles (linked below) on the negative impact of streaming in primary school settings and considering the impact on Maōri students in my class, I feel compelled to try doing away with ability group in my class in 2023. https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/topics/bes/developing-mathematical-inquiry-communities/04-mixed-ability-grouping https://akojournal.org.nz/2022/09/14/dont-stream-away-my-dreams/