Time's Up On National Standards, Say Principals
'For the past decade the Government has expected national standards to change the academic fortunes of our most
challenged students. It hasn't happened,' said Whetu Cormick, President of the New Zealand Principals' Federation
(NZPF). 'It is time to accept that national standards are not the way of the future,' he said.
'We need to show courageous leadership and look to successful solutions. Professional Learning & Development (PLD) options, such as the Maori Achievement Collaboratives (MACs), that support principals to change the
culture of their schools, and make them more compatible and safe for the cultures of the young people coming through
their gates every day, are showing that positive changes can be achieved,' he said.
'That's the sort of PLD we need the Government to support - PLD that does make a difference,' he said.
Cormick also advocates for support for a broad curriculum in schools so that multiple learning options are available to
our most challenged young people.
'Research has demonstrated that not all young people respond to the same learning options and responsible teachers and
leaders will find alternatives based on individual needs and interests as required,' said Cormick.
'That's where we need to target resources,' he concluded, 'and give away arbitrary national standards targets which get
us nowhere.'
ENDS