About SMART#
SMART (Student Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Tool) is a new online assessment tool that kura can start using with your mokopuna in 2026.
The assessment will give you and kaiako clear, consistent information about how your mokopuna is progressing in pānui, tuhituhi, pāngarau, reading, writing, and maths. SMART replaces an older tool, e‑asTTle.
SMART is not a high‑stakes test (like an exam). It’s more of a learning check‑in, helping parents and kaiako understand what each mokopuna knows, what they can do and what they need next. It's one part of a range of information kaiako can use to understand how mokopuna are progressing and achieving.
Not all kura use SMART yet, but those who do will use it twice-yearly in Years 3-10.
Using SMART#
SMART is designed to be simple and easy to use for kaiako and mokopuna.
Most mokopuna complete SMART assessments online. They work through one question at a time and answer by selecting an option, dragging and dropping, or typing a short response.
SMART supports paper assessments for every year level. If kura prefer to use paper, kaiako can print the assessment, enter responses into SMART and receive the same reports and insights as they would from an online assessment.
The assessments are short. Most take around 30 to 45 minutes.
Why it matters#
SMART helps kaiako identify what each mokopuna can already do, what they need next and how best to support them.
The information also strengthens conversations between parents, whānau and kaiako, because it can give a clearer picture of progress across the year.
SMART is one part of the system‑wide shift to more structured, consistent aromatawai and assessment, alongside the Year 2 Pāngarau Check and Hīhira Weteoro.
When kura use SMART#
Kura use SMART twice a year.
- Term 2: 20 April – 22 May
- Term 4: 12 October – 13 November.
Within each time frame, kura choose the timing that best suits their classes.
Kura also use SMART reports throughout the year to help plan teaching, track progress and share information with parents and whānau.
Finding out the results#
The kaiako or tumuaki will let you know how your mokopuna is progressing and what the SMART information shows about their learning.
Kaiako use SMART to:
- understand how your mokopuna is progressing
- identify next learning steps
- plan teaching to meet the needs of your mokopuna.
The Ministry of Education also uses the information to understand how well the education system is supporting mokopuna across New Zealand.
Find out more about reporting and progress in the Guide to your child's reporting and progress.
