That said, knowledge is power.  It can really help if you have a basic understanding of what should or could be happening to help your child achieve their potential at school. 

Recommended Websites

The New Zealand Curriculum - Schools should be developing their curriculum based on this.  It includes what the learning areas are, what the principles are that the school should be using to inform curriculum decisions, and pretty much everything else.

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa - This is the curriculum document for Kura Kaupapa Māori and is used to inform kura programmes.  There is an English translation available here too.

The Education Review Office - ERO is responsible for reviewing schools, kura, and early childhood providers every few years.  You can look up a school's report here.  Just enter the school name and location - its easy.  It will tell you what ERO thought last time they visited.

National Standards - These tell us what a child should be able to do at years 1 - 10 in reading, writing and maths.  They will help teachers communicate clearly to parents what the next learning steps should be for their children.  There are different opinions about national standards - but they are new so that is to be expected.  Find out for yourself - will it be good for you and your children if you understand where they are at with their learning and what their next leaning steps should be?

Te Aho Arataki Marau - This is the document that should inform reo Māori programmes at school.  It contains information about what should be taught at each achievement level. 

Te Reo Māori Kete - You can find all of the resources available to reo Māori teachers including lesson plans, professional development opportunities and video clips of what some schools are doing with reo Māori.