December 01, 2016
Maori gap showing up in international ratings
Primary teachers’ union NZEI Te Riu Roa says the Government's National Standards programme has been put to the test and failed.
The latest TIMMS international rankings put New Zealand children in year 5 and 9 near the bottom when compared with other developed nations.
NZEI president Louise Green says the study highlighted a huge imbalance between the results of Maori and Pasifika children and others.
The National Standards testing regime has done nothing to fix this disparity which TIMSS, like other studies, has linked to poverty.
She says New Zealand will never perform well in international rankings if the needs of Maori, Pasifika and children from low income families are not met.
Ms Green says it’s time to stop experimenting on New Zealand children.
What works for kids is a well-funded public education system where schools have the resources they need, and teachers are supported professionally, to nurture the potential of every child.
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