New Zealand’s education system is facing significant challenges, with literacy and numeracy rates continuing to decline. Reports indicate that over a third of 15-year-olds lack basic proficiency in reading, writing, maths, and science. Despite this, politicians and bureaucrats have failed to address the problem, either because they do not see it as an issue or believe it is too difficult to fix. Therefore, citizens should take control of their children’s education by returning education administration to the provinces, allowing funded school choice, replacing the Ministry with a Curriculum Support Unit, focusing on core subjects, and holding parents accountable. The education system should focus on maths, science, reading, writing, some history, economics, physical education, and social skills. Streaming should be kept to ensure that all levels of ability are catered for. Teachers should be paid on merit to attract the best people into the profession and weed out the worst performers. Parents need to encourage their children to take their education seriously and support them in their studies.
The State of New Zealand’s Education System
New Zealand’s education system was once renowned for its high quality, but the decline in literacy and numeracy rates has led many to question where things went wrong. A 2020 Unicef report revealed that over a third of 15-year-olds in New Zealand lack basic proficiency in reading, writing, maths and science. This follows a series of national and international reports that have similarly indicated that New Zealand students are lagging behind in these core subjects.
National has proposed a plan to ensure that the basics are taught, which many see as a positive step. However, turning around such a large system will be a difficult task, particularly given the entrenched ideologies within the education sector.
Large teaching rooms with over 60 students create a stressful learning environment for many children, which can ultimately lead to failure. Collaborative teaching spaces were trialled in the past but failed due to the Ministry of Education’s focus on saving money by cramming as many students as possible into a classroom, thereby reducing child and teacher ratios.
Many commentators suggest that the curriculum should focus on the core subjects, specifically the three ‘R’s and computer studies, before branching out into science, history, and other subjects. Some parents feel that the current system is failing their children, and have taken it upon themselves to supplement their children’s education by teaching basic arithmetic, grammar, cursive writing, and how to use dictionaries and encyclopedias.
It is clear from the comments of those involved that there is a widespread dissatisfaction with the education system in New Zealand. Premium subscribers are invited to have their say on this important issue by visiting either bayofplentytimes.co.nz or dailypost.co.nz.
Citizens must take control of New Zealand’s education system
New Zealand’s education system, which was once considered among the world’s best, is facing significant challenges as literacy and numeracy rates continue to decline. Reports have revealed that over a third of 15-year-olds lack basic proficiency in reading, writing, maths and science. However, politicians and bureaucrats have failed to address the problem, either because they do not see it as an issue or believe it is too difficult to fix. Therefore, it is time for citizens themselves to take control of their children’s education.
Education administration should be returned to the provinces
Denis M suggests that New Zealand should learn from countries like Singapore, where students’ success in literacy, maths, and science is mainly due to parental and personal responsibilities, successful government policies, having well-trained, well-paid and qualified teachers, and a good learning environment.
Schools should have greater freedom in setting their standards, philosophy, and curriculum content
Schools that want pupils should be allowed to set their standards, philosophy and curriculum content, provided they meet essential teaching standards and content. This would provide parents with funded school choice, which would enable them to choose the school that best aligns with their values and beliefs.
Replace the Ministry with a Curriculum Support Unit
Replacing the Ministry with a Curriculum Support Unit would provide an advisory body that can offer support and guidance to schools and teachers.
Focus on core subjects
Ross H suggests that the education system should focus on maths, science, reading, writing, some history, economics, physical education, and social skills. Streaming should be kept to ensure that all levels of ability are catered for. Teachers should be paid on merit to attract the best people into the profession and weed out the worst performers. Achievements need to be measured and incentivised.
Parents must be held accountable
Parents need to be held accountable for their children’s non-attendance. It is essential that they encourage their children to take their education seriously and support them in their studies.
In conclusion, the citizens of New Zealand must take control of their education system. This can be achieved by returning education administration to the provinces, allowing funded school choice, replacing the Ministry with a Curriculum Support Unit, focusing on core subjects, and holding parents accountable. By doing so, New Zealand’s education system can once again be a world leader.
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