ARCHIVES | MARCH 2011 - NOVEMBER 2017

Education Review explores the big issues in New Zealand education, from early childhood through to tertiary education.

Following the pay equity settlement for aged care and community support workers, early childhood teachers are looking to follow suit. Union NZEI Te Riu Roa is launching a new claim for pay equity for early childhood teachers and staff.

Dr Graham Stoop has been appointed chief executive of the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (EDUCANZ). He will take up the position on 9 November.

Last weekend saw developments in both the Government’s Investing in Educational Success (IES) policy and primary teachers’ union NZEI Te Riu Roa’s Better Plan Joint Initiative with the Ministry of Education.

The legislation underpinning the new professional body for teachers, EDUCANZ (Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand) passed its third reading last night.

We asked prominent people from within the sector what they perceived to be the biggest challenge currently facing New Zealand education. Here is what they had to say.

The Government says it has netted $150 million in additional payments since it launched an initiative four years ago to encourage overseas student loan debtors to start repaying their loans.

Following the release of the latest decile ratings, Minister of Education Hekia Parata has confirmed her intentions to review the 25-year old decile system.

The New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) and the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) continue to express their concerns about EDUCANZ, the new professional body set to replace Teachers’ Council, as the underpinning legislation swiftly proceeds to its second reading.

I write these words tentatively, ignorant of the outcome of the upcoming election as we go to print. By the time you’re reading this, the 2017 General Election will be over – the votes counted, the composition of our government confirmed.

JAYLAN BOYLE looks at the hasty introduction of the Employment (Pay Equity and Equal Pay) Bill and why unions believe the proposed legislation will make it harder, not easier, for women to make equal pay claims.  

DR JOHN BOEREBOOM argues that we need to develop a clearer framework to measure quality tertiary teaching in New Zealand.

Are we are doing enough to ensure the wellbeing of students at all levels in our schools? ANNIE GRAHAM-RILEY reports. 

Up to your eyeballs in assignments, part-time jobs and money stress? You’re not the only one. Education Review explores some of the ways in which tertiary education organisations are helping their students to manage stress.

It’s been reported that just under half of secondary teachers joining the profession leave within five years of beginning their careers. Obviously that’s a worrying rate of attrition, particularly when there are concerns that a significant proportion of an aging workforce is approaching retirement age.

JUDE BARBACK talks to Oropi School principal Andrew King about the Little Diplomats programme, which has helped its students to build their intercultural competencies and the school to build its relationship with its sister school in China.

In this second instalment of a two-part series looking at single- and mixed-gender secondary schooling, JAYLAN BOYLE speaks with principals of two South Island coeducational schools. While both believe wholeheartedly in the model, they are also conscious of the bigger picture – good schooling. 

CHRIS HENDERSON believes global competencies are the foundations for our future.

AVRIL McDONALD discusses how teachers can weave emotional health seamlessly into the classroom.

In the lead up to this year’s Budget, Education Minister Nikki Kaye announced a number of changes affecting initial teacher education (ITE) that are aimed to improve the supply and quality of teachers.

JUDE BARBACK chats to former Education Minister Hekia Parata about her time heading up the education portfolio, the next big challenge for Kiwi schools, and what’s next for her. hekia *Former Minister of Education, Hekia Parata.*

Education Review asked a handful of leaders from different corners of New Zealand’s tertiary education sector which aspects of post-school education policy they think are most important for any future government to address and why.

The Government’s proposal to allow schools to adopt a cohort entry policy for new entrants opens the door to children starting school before they turn five. Dr JOHN BOEREBOOM evaluates the international research and experience and considers what this means for New Zealand’s youngest learners.

In New Zealand, single-gender education is a choice parents can make – not a common scenario in comparable state education systems. As the debate continues to burn in the US, JAYLAN BOYLE talks to two principals of single-gender schools about why they believe their school environment is a force for good – both cite reasons that might not be immediately obvious. 

We are starting to think of education as more of a continuum, rather than segmented into separate stages. An increasing number of partnerships between secondary schools and tertiary education organisations have emerged in the last decade, signalling a more integrated and connected system. Here, Education Review looks at a recent example of secondary-tertiary collaboration. ara institute

Education Review talks to DR Deborah Lambie about LearnCOACH, a site she co-founded that is helping thousands of Kiwi students to pass NCEA. deborah lambie *Dr Deborah Lambie*

With a General Election looming, Education Review asked political and sector leaders for their respective thoughts on the direction that New Zealand education should be taking.

The controversies surrounding seclusion rooms and the increasingly widespread practice of illegal ‘Kiwi suspensions’ reveal some cracks in our education system when it comes to managing challenging behaviour. JUDE BARBACK asks whether our schools and teachers are adequately prepared for the realities of teaching a diverse range of students.

JUDE BARBACK checks in on New Zealand’s first charter school nearly three years on to find out how it is progressing, in spite of ongoing opposition to the partnership schools model.

Education Review talks to Professor Gary Miron about the effect online charter schools are having on education in the United States.

GRANT RIX shares the journey of a ‘mindfulness in schools’ programme that is making a difference to the wellbeing and learning outcomes of Kiwi kids.

All schools strive to engage with their communities. Some do it better than others. Here, JUDE BARBACK looks at an outstanding example of school-iwi partnerships in Ruapehu.

DR JOHN BOEREBOOM suggests that a school’s effectiveness should be judged on the basis of how much the students learned from the time they entered the school to the time they left rather than simply relying on a traditional ‘snapshot’ measure in the NCEA exams.

When Kapiti College found providing reader/writers to its growing number of dyslexic students unsustainable, it looked to assistive technologies for answers.

DR JOHN BOEREBOOM says University Entrance (UE) has always been the bridesmaid of the New Zealand secondary school qualifications. In this article he questions whether the present requirements for entry into universities are fair and valid.

DR JUDITH SELVARAJ says we need to seriously consider whether pitting the compulsory sector against the non-compulsory sector is a good idea.

I’m often guilty of compartmentalising. In following news of political unrest over Brexit, the Syrian crisis, climate change, the rise of Donald Trump, the turmoil of our housing and dairy industries, I often fail to connect the dots of what it all means for New Zealand education.

Following NZEI Te Riu Roa’s concerns about Education Review’s article ‘Communities of Learning – “game changing”’ that appeared in our last issue, Education Review extended the invitation to NZEI to contribute an article to give voice to the union’s concerns. Here, MELISSA SCHWALGER discusses some reservations around Communities of Learning (CoL) and how these are being addressed.

PPTA president ANGELA ROBERTS says teachers are dismayed to see bulk funding included in the Ministry of Education’s school funding proposals.

The proposal for new online learning communities has sparked suggestions that we’re about to unleash online charter schools onto New Zealand education.

At this year’s Higher Education Summit there was a call for better linkages between education and industry to address the skills gap threatening many sectors.

On the same days as the Higher Education Summit, businesses in Auckland and Wellington opened their doors to university and secondary school students to give a glimpse of the corporate and tech careers that await them.

JUDE BARBACK looks at two established Communities of Learning and finds enthusiasm and optimism for the new initiative is overriding some of the earlier negativity surrounding the controversial IES policy.

The fight for the mighty research dollar is creating some significant barriers to scientists commenting on controversial issues. ELIZABETH McLEOD discovers why some of our leading minds are calling for a Commission for Science.

Education Review looks at the NZEI Te Riu Roa’s new charter, which aims to prompt best practice when it comes to employing beginning teachers.

In an effort to raise Māori achievement rates for NCEA Level 2, the Ministry has partnered with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to provide five learning support hubs.

Schools wait in eager anticipation as the Ministry begins to explore different options for funding schools in an effort to replace the current decile system with a more targeted approach. By JUDE BARBACK.

MIKE BROWN and SIMON BEAMES discuss their new book, Adventurous Learning: A pedagogy for a changing world, which presents a framework for enhanced learning experiences.

TINA MULLER shares the joys and frustrations of being on call to schools for relief teaching.

Education Review’s outstanding ‘Sector Voices’ special e-edition was published at the end of 2015, bringing together the varied and considered opinions of leaders, principals and teachers to reveal the key issues New Zealand education faces going forward. Here is a taste of some of the topics and views that emerged.

GUY POPE-MAYELL says the recent Select Committee Inquiry [into the identification and support for students with the significant challenges of dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorders in primary and secondary schools] provided a chilling insight into the problems that students with learning differences can face. He outlines some of the issues and potential solutions.

Education Review asks Education Council’s new chief executive DR GRAHAM STOOP about his priorities for the Council, his response to Council opposition, his views on Communities of Learning and his hopes for the Education Act review.

With so much attention on teaching practice, policy decisions and student agency, it’s easy to forget one of the most influential stakeholders in a child’s schooling – the parents. JUDE BARBACK looks at the importance of making parents and whānau part of the education conversation.

Sharon Fuemana and children

JUDE BARBACK looks at where the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is at on its digital assessment journey.

SUE TAYLOR discusses how priority learners can achieve better outcomes through focused, high-impact mathematics instruction from their own classroom teacher than from intervention programmes.   

The physical environment plays an important role in children’s education and in shaping their development. Here, US teacher and Fulbright scholar LAUREN ZAPPONE MAPLES congratulates New Zealand for providing students with well-supported outdoor education opportunities.

Internship programmes for postgraduate students align with New Zealand’s tertiary education strategy as they help connect the dots between postgraduate education and the workplace. Yet where is the funding to support such initiatives? JUDE BARBACK investigates.

Tertiary sector research manager STEPHEN COX understands the difficulties that universities and institutes of technology face in finding appropriate external research funding opportunities. 

Education Review discovers a new Centre of Research Excellence tackling some big research issues for the benefit of New Zealand.

The Tertiary Education Commission’s decision to cease Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga’s funding prompted an outcry. JUDE BARBACK investigates allegations that the funding process was flawed and explores what the future holds for Māori-led research.

Dr CHRISTOPHER THEUNISSEN of Manukau Institute of Technology says selecting the right supervisor is an important decision for any research project.

DR CHRISTOPHER THEUNISSEN discusses how a supported distance teaching and learning model can help ensure student success in a time poor environment.

PAT NEWMAN thinks teachers and principals should not be fooled by the Government’s “$359 million bolt out of the blue”.

Investing in Educational Success (IES) initiative has divided New Zealand’s education sector. JUDE BARBACK reports.

ROSS NOTMAN considers New Zealand research findings from an international educational leadership project and what they mean for the new leadership roles emerging from the Government’s $359m plan to help raise student achievement.

JUDE BARBACK looks at sector reaction to the Government’s proposal to introduce new roles to help lift student achievement.

*IAN VICKERS shares his fight to get teacher wellbeing taken seriously in New Zealand.*

JUDE BARBACK looks at the mounting tensions in Northland as PPTA members enforce their ban on teaching students from the new partnership school.

Education Review asks prominent voices in the sector to voice their hopes and expectations for New Zealand education for the year ahead.

Education Minister Hekia Parata has today announced that the merger between Woolston and Phillipstown schools in Christchurch will go ahead.

GRAY CLEVELAND and TONY SIMPSON give the full story behind their David and Goliath court battle with the Ministry of Education and how unwavering community support kept them going.

With the new Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand set to replace the New Zealand Teachers Council next year, teachers are anxious that their new independent statutory professional body truly is independent. JUDE BARBACK looks at how things are evolving.

The Ministry of Education’s troubled payroll system is allegedly on the mend, but at what cost? JUDE BARBACK reflects on Novopay’s painful journey so far.

The opposition to charter schools intensifies with the announcement of the first five partnership schools in New Zealand. JUDE BARBACK weighs up the arguments as the new schools prepare to open their doors.

A review of New Zealand’s tertiary education funding system, the Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF), looks set to place more emphasis on commercialised research, a proposal that has attracted some criticism. Will this and other changes result in a new and improved funding process for tertiary education organisations?

Despite unrest around the current school decile system, the Ministry of Education says there are no plans yet for a formal review. JUDE BARBACK considers what’s in a number.

The inaugural EdTech conference this year highlighted opportunities for New Zealand to lead the way with learning technology. Education New Zealand’sMIKE BOOKER reports.

Passports held hostage, visa hold-ups, trouble with teacher registration and police checks ... forget the horror stories of gaining entry and employment into the UK – recent law changes, helpful agencies and a good attitude will see you in a London classroom before too long. JUDE BARBACK reports.

Concerns over health and safety, increasing inequality between and within schools, financial pressure on parents, and difficulty with fundraising all create hurdles for the overseas school trip. However, many schools believe these obstacles should not stand in the way of offering their students the chance to experience the world.

JOHN CLARK examines the long tail of underachievement through key events this year, including the class sizes controversy, charter schools debate, National Standards, and the Ministerial Cross-Sector Forum on Raising Achievement.

Education Review asks the sector to reflect on the twists and turns education has taken this year and their hopes and expectations for 2013.

Mixed reactions emerge as Christchurch communities take part in consultation about the proposed education renewal plan.

The Ministry of Education’s new payroll system Novopay has caused many problems for many schools. JUDE BARBACK considers whether it is one mishap too many for New Zealand education.

Cloud-based learning is transforming teaching and learning in New Zealand schools, with increasing support for BYOD initiatives and educational apps.

The introduction of all-of-Government contracts have been a significant part of the Government Procurement Reform Programme, aimed at improving procurement and achieving greater cost efficiencies. Yet, despite the savings, most schools opt out. Why?

Of all the controversial issues New Zealand’s education sector has faced this year, charter schools remain one of the most contentious. Education Review gets both sides of the story.

The Education Review Office’s decision to scrap decile ratings from its school reports raises the question of the purpose and usefulness of the school decile system. JUDE BARBACK reports.

The Ministry of Education’s welcome u-turn in June on its policies concerning class sizes and teacher cuts had a knock-on effect for the proposal to move initial teacher education to postgraduate-level. Now confusion reigns among providers and prospecti

*The decision to make National Standards results public has angered many schools and unions. But will it help lift performance as predicted?*

Teachers Council director, PETER LIND says we need to consider the international research first.

If there was a league table for international education systems, New Zealand would likely rank near the top. Will the introduction of primary school league tables see our ranking plummet?

Private training establishments catering for international students have rarely strayed from the media spotlight in recent years as concerns over corrupt and ill-equipped institutions continue to grow.

Education Review asks Education New Zealand CEO GRANT McPHERSON how the new government agency plans to achieve its international education targets.

Education Review delves into at what is driving the push to increase class sizes and why the education sector is so opposed.

The New Zealand Government’s recent announcement of the new charter schools policy has met with mixed reactions. Here, two experts voice their opinions.

Teachers have welcomed a new resource for year 7 and 8 students, Be Healthy, Be Active – Kia Ora, Kia Korikori, as perfect for starting the school year, with its focus on making good choices around healthy eating and physical activity.

New Zealand’s new Minister of Education, Hon HEKIA PARATA gives Education Review an insight into her background and shares her aspirations for New Zealand’s education system.

New research shows that New Zealand’s schools’ anti-bullying policies are not up to scratch. What else can we do? JUDE BARBACK confronts this uncomfortable topic.

Plunket does more than provide check-ups for two-year-olds and playgroups for new mums. JUDE BARBACK looks at what Plunket is achieving through its Education in Schools programme.

PETER COOLBEAR analyses the implications of codes of practice for domestic tertiary students.

The Teachers Council reports good feedback from the newly implemented Guidelines for Induction and Mentoring and Mentor Teachers and looks to the next steps.

Is our intermediate school system working? JUDE BARBACK asks why there is a growing band of support in New Zealand for middle schools, encompassing Years 7 to 10.

GEOFF VAUSE crunches the numbers and checks the politics of offshore education cash

MICHELLE WAITZMAN of Education New Zealand discusses the importance of strong relationships with international education agents

Students in North America find New Zealand politics fascinating, according to Victoria University’s Dr Jon Johansson.

Media reports are tracking the impact of tightened immigration rules on international enrolments

GEOFF VAUSE notes some of the initiatives coming from government, and underlines the need for the whole export education sector to build on the achievements

ROB STEVENS writes on the strides New Zealand has made in welcoming international students

Relations between the Minister of Education and teachers do not appear to be good. JOHN GERRITSEN assesses the implications

Education Review asks education leaders to share their thoughts on the big issues looming for the school sector this year