Kaupapa Maori assessment in ECE

Kaupapa Māori assessment draws on Māori perspectives of the world and normalises Māori values, behaviours and understandings as valid. It utilises a Māori philosophical framework and involves the implementation of Māori processes and understandings. 

Kaupapa Māori assessment enables learning and assessment to be informed by Māori ways of knowing and being, which empowers Māori chldren and their whānau, and enhances their mana by acknowledging their unique cultural capital as Māori. It is better able to support the aspirations of Māori whānau for their child, and ensure children’s success as learners. Learning and achievement is greater when there is a consistency of language and culture across the home and early childhood setting.

Kaupapa Māori assessment has been developed by early childhood settings, in collaboration with researchers, as a response to the need for an assessment approach that is more responsive to the culture and aspirations of Māori children and whānau. This is an emerging research area in Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Recognise Māori children as Māori in ways which accept, value and sustain the child’s individuality.
• Articulate the Māori values that guide and encompass the important learning dimensions for a Māori child.
• Use assessment to promote and encourage the growth of the child’s mana, and demonstrate the Māori child’s personal and collective power, potential, strengths and aspirations. 
• Make visible the Māori values that are significant to your setting, whānau and children in assessment processes.
• Find ways to develop whānau engagement and involvement with assessment processes.

• What do you do to find out what each Māori child and their whānau brings to the early childhood setting? 
• How do you demonstrate recognition of the Māori child as a learning child, a powerful child, a life force and an emotional and spiritual being? 
• Do your assessment processes support Māori children to develop a strong sense of their Māori identity?
• Which Māori values are most significant for your children, whānau and setting?
• How do you ensure whānau are engaged and involved in assessment processes?