One teachers' union is concerned abut the recommended changes to teaching standards in a new report.

The Ministerial Advisory Group reviewing English and maths learning has recommended annual 'checkpoint' tests for students.

It also recommends children be encouraged to write by hand as much as possible for their first three years at school - and cursive lessons in years four to six.

NZEI president Mark Potter says children in society are facing all sorts of issues, but how teachers teach isn't one.

"Things aren't going well for children in our society right now, but just focusing on what teachers do in the classroom all the time, especially by political groups and political figures, is not going to help children at all."

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