NZnews: 11/11/10

Thursday, November 11, 2010

National Standards surveys show encouraging results

New Zealand Education Gazette, v.89, n.20, 8 November 2010
Two surveys released recently on the implementation of National Standards show encouraging results according to the Ministry of Education group manager: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Mary Chamberlain.

Students “mapping out their own futures”

Students “mapping out their own futures”:
NZCER - Rachel Bolstad on Shifting Thinking
"I’ve neglected to check my pigeonhole at work for a while, and hence I almost missed seeing this Education Gazette article about learning pathways at Hauraki Plains College. This is a pretty exciting article for me, partly because the the school’s approach was “significantly influenced” by a book Jane Gilbert and I wrote, Disciplining and [...]"

Govt awards 10 international doctoral scholarships

Govt awards 10 international doctoral scholarships:
"Steven Joyce | Tertiary Education
Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce has today announced the awarding of scholarships to 10 top international scholars who will study at New Zealand universities next year. He says the scholarship...
Read More

International education continues to grow

I nternational education continues to grow: "
Steven Joyce | Tertiary Education
The number of international students enrolled to study in New Zealand is continuing to increase, says Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce.
Latest enrolment figures show an increase of nearly 5% f... Read More

Student assessment problem for most schools - ERO - Stuff.co.nz

Student assessment problem for most schools - ERO
Stuff.co.nz
The introduction of national standards would help ERO ensure schools were carrying out assessment and using those to improve their practises and programmes, ...and more »

NCEA Level 1 or 2 in 2011? Think Virtual. - Scoop.co.nz (press release)

NCEA Level 1 or 2 in 2011? Think Virtual.
Scoop.co.nz (press release)
New Zealand Virtual School Trades Academy. They will offer NCEA Level 1 and 2 learners the ability to achieve qualifications - such as NCEA and National Certificates - in a range of areas including ...

Publisher Takes National Standards Initiative - Scoop.co.nz (press release)

Publisher Takes National Standards Initiative
Scoop.co.nz (press release)
They have asked Wendy Pye Publishing for measurement tools to help them fairly assess students to meet the new National Standards for Years 1 to 8. ...

No apology to Tolley over 'Hitler' remark - New Zealand Herald

New Zealand Herald

No apology to Tolley over 'Hitler' remark
New Zealand Herald
But she is not backing down in her opposition to National Standards, which she calls one of the "most divisive" policies for schools. ...

Principals plotted takeover - email - Stuff.co.nz

Principals plotted takeover - email
Stuff.co.nz
All have been vocal critics of the national standards. In a response to the email, Taylor referred to NZSTA president Lorraine Kerr as "awful". ... and more »

Schools that announced opposition to National Standards face ...

Schools that announced opposition to National Standards face ...:
"More than 225 school boards of trustees have called for a moratorium on the national standards. The boards, which represent more than 10% of primary and intermediate schools, also say they will defy a request to tell the Ministry of ..."

Third of rebel schools appear to soften stance on standards - New Zealand Herald

New Zealand Herald

Third of rebel schools appear to soften stance on standards
New Zealand Herald
Nearly a third of the schools that said they had no confidence in National Standards have told the Ministry of Education they do in ...

stoatspring: National Political Standards

stoatspring: National Political Standards:
"As I listened to Parliamentary Questions yesterday on TV the thought struck me – if the Government is so keen on national standards in education why doesn't it apply the same criteria to politics. Let's measure the efficiency and ..."

All resistance must be crushed | Kiwiblog

All resistance must be crushed | Kiwiblog:
"There is a small group of activist principals who are driving this campaign against national standards. We've already seen how they refer to the Minister. Leaked e-mails now reveal what they plan for another of their targets – the ..."

MR 2010/84 - Government should be shamed into action over pay and employment equity

MR 2010/84 - Government should be shamed into action over pay and employment equity:
"A new report showing women losing ground in terms of pay and employment equity should shame the government into action, says the education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa.

MR 2010/85 - Primary teachers reject pay offer

MR 2010/85 - Primary teachers reject pay offer:
"Primary teachers have overwhelmingly rejected their pay offer and are sending a clear message to the government that the offer is unacceptable.

Changes to the powers of the New Zealand Teachers Council

Changes to the powers of the New Zealand Teachers Council:
"This Regulatory Impact Statement provides an analysis of options to address issues relating to the operation of disciplinary and competence proceedings for teachers"

Chances shrinking of settlement this year

Chances shrinking of settlement this year:
"The Ministry of Education and the PPTA have almost run out of time to settle the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement by the end of this school year, the Ministry of Education said today"

Teachers call off strike

Teachers call off strike:
"Secondary teachers have called off strike action planned for tomorrow to allow contracts negotiations with the Ministry of Education to continue.
The teachers' union, the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA), president Kate Gainsford announced the cancellation of the planned strike today, saying the suspension of the action had been required by the ministry to enable discussions to continue.
The ministry said it was pleased the action had been suspended and that talks could continue between the two parties. read more"

NZnews