The Minister of Education, Aiono Alec Ekeroma, is worried about the results of national examinations for all levels. 

He is hoping to iron out the problems with educators at a teachers' conference to be held on Monday. The forum is expected to provide a platform for principals, teachers and the ministry to deal with the declining education standards.

Speaking during a special government programme, Aiono said it's concerning to look at the results, especially literacy and mathematics.

He said the problem should be dealt with and he recommended that the teachers should take extra courses on how to deliver the curriculum in school,s especially reading and maths.

Aiono said the Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is not very happy with these results as well.

"I am not happy about it myself, and I guess the root of the problem should be answered by the teachers," he said.

The Prime Minister, during his weekly press conference, said there is a plan to bring overseas teachers to assist with this problem.

He said the list of schools was presented to the cabinet on Thursday, and members were surprised by the results. He explained that there are many schools, but not enough teachers, as districts are building too many schools.

He said the Ministry of Education has lost teachers overseas, and some have changed jobs. The government has already prepared requests to development partners for help with the current situation of the education system.

He explained that they are also looking at combining schools to help and suggested bringing in teachers from other countries, with the government planning to ask for help from development partners.

Laaulialemalietoa said that in the past, exam papers were set in New Zealand for national exams, which maintained a high academic level. The shift to locally set papers contributed to declining reading and mathematics results.

He said there are other problems, such as papers being leaked and students copying, as the exam setting and marking are done in Samoa.