MAKING SENSE OF LITERACY CHANGE –
What We Had, What We Know Now, What We Need, What Is Currently in Place, and What Needs to Happen Next for Our Dyslexic Children
Making Sense of Literacy Change brings together much of the information, advocacy, research, explanations, and system changes shared through Dyslexia Evidence-Based (DEB) over the years and is now all in one place.
Originally intended as a small series of opinion pieces, this document grew into a much larger resource due to the complexity of literacy change in New Zealand. Too often, important information is reduced to headlines, short posts, sound bites, or isolated debates, making it difficult to see how the wider system connects.
This document was written to help people better understand:
• what we had
• what we now know
• what is currently in place
• what we still need
• and what needs to happen next
Download here – DEB Making Sense of Literacy Change — What We Had, What We Know Now, What Is in Place, and What We Need Next for Our Dyslexic Children.docx
The goal is to help people connect the dots, build understanding, and feel more confident advocating for children and young people.
Readers are welcome to share this document with schools, teachers, specialists, policymakers, local MPs, the media and families. Educators may also wish to share it with parents and whānau to help build understanding around the changes happening in schools and literacy education across New Zealand.
It is intended to support more informed conversations, strengthen knowledge, and help people better understand what to ask, what to advocate for, and what learners need at both school and government level.
People may not agree with every part of this document, and that is okay. The intention is not to offend, divide, or attack anyone, but to encourage deeper understanding, discussion, and informed advocacy around literacy and education change.
This resource was developed independently through DEB using research, evidence, advocacy, lived experience, and ongoing engagement with literacy and education discussions. AI tools were used to assist with formatting, images, and refining sections.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of writing, education is continually evolving, and there may still be occasional errors or updates required. Any significant education announcements, including updates from the May 2026 Budget, may be added over time, making this a living document that continues to reflect ongoing system changes.
Download here – DEB Making Sense of Literacy Change — What We Had, What We Know Now, What Is in Place, and What We Need Next for Our Dyslexic Children.docx
Thanks for your patience while I sort the technical side of things out.
I genuinely hope it helps.
Created by Sharon Scurr Founder of Dyslexia Evidence Based