AI and Plain Language Reporting: A Guide for NZ Kaiako

NZ schools report to parents and whānau in writing at least twice a year, in plain language, on progress and achievement. That last part is the challenge. A comment can be accurate and still lose a family in curriculum jargon. AI language models are good at plain language, which makes them a natural fit, as long as the kaiako stays in charge of the substance.

Where AI helps kaiako

• From notes to plain language. "Working at L2 writing, uses simple and some compound sentences, next step: paragraphs" becomes a few sentences whānau understand without a glossary.
• Showing progress, not just achievement. Tell the model where the ākonga started and where they are now, and ask it to describe the shift. Whānau value that picture of growth, especially when a child is still working towards the expected level.
• The refreshed curriculum. As English and mathematics move to the refreshed learning areas, prompts written in the current language keep comments in step with what you teach.
• Te reo Māori, used well. A greeting or kupu that fits your kura's practice can be included, but check every word yourself. Models can get te reo wrong with confidence.

What stays with the kaiako

Judgements against curriculum levels or progressions are yours, made from evidence and moderated in your school. AI can't see the work and shouldn't guess. Nor should it write about wellbeing, attendance or learning support. Those conversations happen kanohi ki te kanohi.

Privacy Act 2020

Schools are agencies under the Privacy Act 2020, so student information should only be used for its purpose and kept safe. Keep prompts to learning evidence, use a first name or code, and avoid tools that train public models on what you enter. NZ School Reports works from a first name or code and your notes; see our privacy policy.

A routine that works in Hero or LINC-ED

1. Make your curriculum judgements first.
2. Note where each ākonga started, where they are now, and one next step.
3. Generate the comment, asking for plain language.
4. Read it as whānau would. Remove anything they'd need explained.
5. Paste into your student management system and check the format.

For what reports must include, see what NZ school reports must include, and for wording help, our plain language comment tips.