Improved relationships between teachers and students are being credited as just as important as the Government's curriculum changes. 

New Education Review Office research shows teachers are seeing more engaged students in maths and English, and three-quarters of parents say their child is making progress.  

Principal of Rotorua's Kaitao Intermediate, Phil Palfrey told Ryan Bridge it's also that more people are realising the importance of school.  

He says teachers have been working hard to build relationships with their students, which is equally as important as any curriculum changes.  

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