Government Charts Dangerous Direction for Schools
Legislation for charter schools in New Zealand is a kick in the guts to one of the highest quality public education
systems in the world according to the President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, Philip Harding.
‘Over 80 per-cent of Kiwi Kids sit at the top of the world for academic achievement,’ said Harding. ‘That tells us
schools are doing an awful lot right for the education of our kids,’ he said, ‘Why would you want to put all that under
threat?’ he asks.
The introduction of charter schools is premised on the Government’s expressed desire to give priority learners,
especially Māori and Pacific Island children a better chance at education.
‘The research is unequivocal when it comes to the performance of charter schools with ethnic minorities. They fail,’ he
said.
Harding is not surprised charter schools fail challenging kids. Charter schools can employ people to teach who have no
teacher training and who don’t have to follow the curriculum or have sound pedagogical practice. They have no local
board of trustees or community involvement. Their objective is to make profit from the public purse.
‘Challenging and vulnerable kids need the highest quality teachers we can give them. They need experienced, well
trained, culturally competent, highly creative teachers who have the capability to respond to the extraordinary needs
these kids present,’ he said.
‘This bad policy brewed up over a cup of tea represents a sad day for education in New Zealand.’
ENDS