NZPF welcomes Minister’s support

NZPF welcomes Minister’s support
- New Zealand Principals’ Federation -

The New Zealand Principals’ Federation has welcomed the Minister of Education’s comments recognising the need for adequate resourcing of schools, particularly those with high numbers of Maori students.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Steve Maharey, is touring North Island schools, particularly those with large percentage of Maori students. He yesterday commented, "We have a long way to go but we know what works. Quality teaching in well-resourced schools is the key.”

Pat Newman, President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, is delighted that the Minister has a strong focus on Maori students. “His statement shows that he recognises the problems faced by our schools. We have always maintained that one of the main ways to lift Maori achievement in schools was to ensure the resourcing for specific needs was adequate.”

Newman says “the way I read it, we generally have the well qualified teachers, and now we have the public support of the Minister to ensure adequate resourcing when required. That will ensure pupils with particular needs are resourced for these needs.”

The NZPF has been fighting a proposed change for Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB), that would see huge numbers of these teachers redistributed. In particular, the proposed model would see RTLB teachers redistributed from isolated areas with large percentages of Maori pupils, into areas of high urban growth.

“The Ministers statement has given us heart,” said Newman. “Whilst we acknowledge there is real need for these specialist Behaviour and Learning teachers in urban growth areas, the answer is not to redistribute them from those who have huge need as well as isolation. As the Minister says, well-resourced schools are the key.”

ENDS

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