Govt, sector in joint secondary schooling project
11 September 2003 Media Statement
Govt, sector in joint secondary schooling project
Education Minister Trevor Mallard and education sector representatives today announced a unique collaborative project that will look at the future of secondary schooling in New Zealand, with the aim of lifting the success of our secondary students.
The four guardians of the Secondary Futures project, who will guide and lead the debate and associated work, were also announced today.
They are Massey University assistant vice-chancellor Professor Mason Durie, teacher and former Silver Fern Bernice Mene, Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor and education specialist Gillian Heald. The guardians will work with the education community on the Secondary Futures – Hoenga Auaha Taiohi project.
“Secondary Futures aims to stimulate and share thinking on what secondary schooling should be like in 20 years time and the best ways to improve student outcomes,” Trevor Mallard said.
“After years of change and reform, a clear vision of the role and function of secondary schooling is needed.
“The best way for this vision to be created is to try a different approach. Instead of the government and ministers driving the work, the education community, alongside the government, will lead the charge.
“I have consulted with the education sector and together we have arrived at a framework that we hope will be open, constructive and inclusive.
“This approach will put government and the sector on an equal footing in an environment of mutual responsibility, trust and commitment.
“Secondary Futures aims to reach a consensus about the issues that really matter when it comes to influencing the successful schooling of our children. It will then decide how schools, teachers, training institutes, families, students and government can build on, or improve, what they do now to move the system forward.
“The guardians have been chosen because they are inspirational people, with strong interests in education and proven strengths in innovation.
“I am confident that they can lead a national discussion on the best ways to ensure our students are equipped with 21st Century skills and that all our students, regardless of their background, are given the chance to reach their full potential.
“These are important goals which this government has set as our education priorities - they are vitally important for our economic growth and development as a country.
"Now the project has been announced, the secretariat can be appointed. Their first task will be to work with the guardians to develop the project plan, and to commence the information gathering and consultation processes," Trevor Mallard said.
Whilst there is no set timeframe, the project it is expected to run over at least three and up to six years.
Questions and answers, and profiles of the guardians are attached.
SECONDARY FUTURES
Hoenga Auaha
Taiohi
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
What is the translation
of the Maori name?
The Maori name talks about paddling
together and moving forward, to shape the future for
youth.
What is the purpose of the Secondary Futures
Project?
The project aims to develop a broad ranging
discussion about what secondary schooling in New Zealand
should be like in 20 years time. Its main focus is to
develop ways to improve teaching and learning so that we
continue to improve student outcomes in the face of the many
challenges and changes impacting on the secondary schooling
sector.
How did it come about?
In light of feeling from
the education sector that there was a need to clarify the
government’s plans for secondary, the Labour Party’s 2002
Election Manifesto included a commitment to establish an
independent body to investigate “how we can shape our system
to best help children achieve.”
From the beginning of 2003, Education Minister Trevor Mallard began discussions with the education community about how they felt such a project could best be structured.
Cabinet approved funding to support the project in April 2003. Since that time, the education community has been working with the Minister to create the project framework.
Who has
been involved in developing the project framework?
The
following groups and individuals have worked to develop the
project framework:
Post Primary Teachers
Association (PPTA)
Association of Colleges of
Education of NZ
Te Runanga Nui o nga Kura
Kaupapa Maori
NZ School Trustees Association
Secondary Principals Association NZ
PPTA Principals Council
Roger Field
- NZ Vice Chancellors Committee
Tony Hall -
Community Colleges NZ
NZ Parent Teacher
Association
NZ Educational Institute
Education Review Office
Ministry of
Education
New Zealand Qualifications
Authority
How will the Secondary Futures Project be
run?
The Secondary Futures Project has a three-part
structure.
There will be a group of four ‘guardians’ to lead the project.
A small secretariat (that is independent of, but located within the Ministry of Education) will administer the project and manage information gathering.
In addition, a Touchstone Reference Group will be formed from the education community with whom the guardians can seek advice and test theories.
Who are the guardians?
Professor Mason Durie,
Bernice Mene, Ian Taylor and Gillian Heald
(See attached
profiles)
What is their role?
To lead and be
‘the face’ of the project
To build trust and
confidence in the project
To protect the
integrity of the project and give it independence from
government and education bodies
To encourage and
inspire participation and debate
To announce the
progress and findings of the project
Who makes up the
Touchstone Group?
Representatives from the following
groups will be invited to join the Touchstone Group. In
addition to the groups listed, members will be sourced to
provide additional representation for students, new teachers
and Maori and Pasifika communities. Membership may change
over time as particular issues arise and are
resolved.
PPTA
Secondary Principals
Association NZ
NZ Educational
Institute
Te Akatea (Maori Principals, Deputy
and Assistant Principals Association)
PPTA
Principals Council
Te Runanga Nui o nga Kura
Kaupapa Maori
NZ School Trustees
Association
NZ Parent Teacher
Association
Growth and Innovation Advisory
Board
NZ Vice Chancellors Committee
Rural community
Association of Polytechnics of
NZ
Association of Colleges of Education of
NZ
What is the Touchstone Group’s role?
The
guardians and secretariat need a focussed group of key
stakeholders to debate specific issues and test ideas with,
and from whom they can draw experience and knowledge. The
Touchstone Group will fill this role. It will also receive
and present ideas and feedback from the wider community and
keep sector groups informed and involved in the
project.
How will the Secondary Futures Project be
funded?
In April 2003 Cabinet approved initial funding
totalling $987,000 to support the project. As this is a
long-term project, it is anticipated that further funding
will be made available in the future.
What will
result from the Secondary Futures Project?
The result of
the Secondary Futures Project will not be a specific set of
reports or a binding document. Secondary Futures will create
a process for the government and education sector to work
together in a flexible and innovative environment. The
project will chart a way forward for improving teaching and
learning processes. The type of questions that need
answering include:
What should the core purpose
of secondary education be in 20 years time?
What
constitutes a successful school leaver?
How can
we ensure more school leavers are successful?
How will the role of teachers change in the next 20
years?
How can teachers and effective teaching
practices be supported and enhanced?
How will
the role of government, the profession, primary and tertiary
sectors, family and community need to change to support an
effective secondary school system?
What benefits can
result from the Secondary Futures Project?
An
improvement in teaching and learning processes
Teachers having a greater sense of control and confidence in
their methods
Students becoming more successful
learners
How long will the Secondary Futures Project
take?
It is anticipated that Secondary Futures will be an
ongoing project over a period of three to six years. There
is intentionally no pre-set timeframe for the project but a
relatively intensive period of activity is expected in the
first year as it is established.
How can I find out
more?
Until the secretariat is established (this is
expected to take place in October), please contact Polly
Schaverien, Senior Advisor, Office of Hon. Trevor Mallard at
Polly.Schaverien@parliament.govt.nz.
SECONDARY
FUTURES PROJECT - PROFILES
The Guardians
Professor Mason Durie is assistant vice-chancellor at Massey University. He is a senior Mäori academic and a public figure of high standing - a leading contributor to public debates across a range of issues including the future of education in New Zealand (for example through his contribution to the Hui Taumata Matauranga). He has extensive experience in governance and management roles for government, university and private sector bodies. His iwi affiliations are Rangitane, Ngati Kauwhata and Ngati Raukawa.
Bernice Mene is a national sporting hero having represented NZ at netball for 10 years and playing 78 tests for the Silver Ferns. Auckland-based, Bernice Mene is a qualified teacher and positive role model for young people. Her work has included a variety of community service roles including work with Pasifika youth. Her participation will strengthen opportunities to engage with young people.
Gillian Heald is a respected educational leader and former principal with extensive experience in teaching, school leadership, change management and contributions to education policy. From Christchurch, Gillian Heald has made strong contributions to a wide range of educational and community causes, and has a record of fostering innovation.
Ian Taylor is a successful
and high profile Dunedin businessman – a Mäori entrepreneur
with interests in applied information technology and
multimedia.
In 1990 he established Animation Research
Limited which quickly established itself as a leading
computer animation companies, winning awards nationally and
internationally for work such as the ground breaking 3D
America's Cup graphics. He has experience in governance and
change management and has contributed to policy development
including the Growth and Innovation ICT (information and
communications technology) taskforce and the Knowledge Wave
trust.