In response to National Standards
National Standards are due to be introduced to primary and intermediate schools in New Zealand from 2010.
Introducing Dellis Hunt, Rangiora mother of two children
I have put this site together so that New Zealand parents can inform themselves about the National Standards that are due to be implemented at the beginning of the 2010 school year.
I have added in all of the articles, letters and research that I can find to help you to make your own mind up. You will find that the information appears a bit one sided. Well yes but that's mostly because I can't find any research that backs it just yet. I have however added articles that are from the pro National Standards side of the table and these are mostly from the Ministry of Education and NZSTAR (Board of Trustees representatives). Funnily enough you will see that the majority of the teaching profession, NZEI (NZ Educational Institute), NZPF (NZ Principals Federation, QPEC (Quality Public Education Coalition), leading New Zealand educational academics and others are opposed to this policy because of the detrimental effects that it poses to our children.
What's in it for me? The wellbeing and ability of our children to see themselves as successful learners is paramount to me. I still have one child who has three more years of primary and intermediate school. I happen to respect our children and see that they deserve so much more than this. I am heartbroken that this policy is due to be introduced when it is shown conclusively overseas to reduce the learning outcomes for children, especially those who are excelling and those that are challenged in some way. I get nothing from this except the satisfaction of opening the debate, something that the Ministry of Education never did, for all New Zealand parents.
Please feel free to email me your feedback. If you are in support of this worthy cause I would love to add your voice to the many who think this is a major step backwards in New Zealand education. This would consist of keeping your contact name and email address in a private database. Anything more than this and I would contact you to find out your instructions.
gadgitgirl35@gmail.com
Many thanks for your time
Dellis Hunt
PAL - Parents Against Labelling
