Support for PPTA call for tech curriculum review

Tuesday, 28 November 2006

Education Forum supports PPTA call for review of technology curriculum

Education Forum chairman Byron Bentley has came out in support of today's call by the Post Primary Teachers' Association for a review into the technology curriculum.

Mr Bentley said he was not surprised at the results of PPTA focus group research, which detailed concerns with the technology curriculum, including its status in schools, inadequacy of resources, staff recruitment difficulties and insufficient focus on practical skills.

"Staff involved in teaching technology are well aware of the weaknesses of the existing technology curriculum, and are doing their utmost to make the best of a bad situation, but that can only go on for so long," Mr Bentley said.

"New Zealand faces persistent and severe skill shortages across a range of occupations. Those shortages are most severe in the trades area. If we are serious about overcoming skill shortages, we must start by focusing on improving secondary education - and a practical and relevant technology curriculum is a key part of that.

"The Education Forum looks forward to being an active participant in the technology curriculum review, no matter what form it takes - select committee inquiry or some other expert-led review," Mr Bentley said.

ENDS

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