MINISTER'S INTRODUCTION: STUDY SUPPORT CENTRES
Prime Minister Helen Clark launched the first Government funded study support centre at Wainoni School in Christchurch last week. It was a significant event for me because providing central funding for such centres has been a policy that I started working on about three years ago.
Homework centres have existed in New Zealand schools for several years but they've always been funded on an ad hoc basis. The Government has allocated $7.5 million over the next four years to provide some funding for centres which we believe will help provide more certainty for schools wanting to start up such initiatives.
There's been a lot of positive feedback about the Government's support and many communities are embracing the concept. The Ministry of Education is currently in the process of working through more than 50 proposals for study support centres. Several hundred other schools and organisations are known to be considering applications.
However, there have also been some school principals who have complained about aspects of it. Let me clear up some of the misinformation. First of all, the $5000 figure that is being bandied around in some quarters as the amount that will be allocated for each study support centre is not accurate. The amounts will vary depending on the proposal but to give you an indication, Wainoni School is to receive $12,000 per year to cater for about 30 children , or 20% of its roll. I am also somewhat surprised at the complaints that the centres will be subject to an ERO review. It will not be a specific review of the study support centre, but rather it will be a factor looked into in the course of a standard review of a school. I make no apologies for that, when specific funding is given for a specific project, we have an obligation to check that it is being used for such a purpose as part of the review process. I also expect schools to make a contribution towards their study support centres from their increased operational funding. I believe the flow on effects into the classroom are huge and make this a worthwhile investment.
As the Prime Minister said last week, these centres can make a big difference to the educational achievement of children attending low decile schools. I hope more schools will look closely at utilising this available fund.
Trevor Mallard
Minister of Education
FIRST STEP TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING SPECIAL EDUCATION REPORT
Associate Education Minister Lianne Dalziel has announced the first steps of a package to help schools to support children with special education needs as a result of the Wylie Review into Special Education 2000.
The package includes:
- Widening eligibility for inclusion in the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme to take into consideration children with combined moderate needs in three areas, therapy, specialist support, and requirements for curriculum adaptation.
- New funding to specifically support students identified as having fragile health needs.
- Amending the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme so that reviews will be requested only for students whose need for support is likely to change significantly.
Other aspects focus on supporting schools to provide a better service for all children with special education needs.
Lianne Dalziel said $48 million over four years was allocated in the Budget to enable the Government to respond quickly to the findings of the Wylie Review. These first steps will use up $30.2 million of that funding.
Further announcements are likely to be made by the end of next month.
FUTURE SCHOOL SITES TO INCLUDE ECE PROVISION
New school sites will in future include provision for early childhood centres.
Education Minister Trevor Mallard says he has instructed the Ministry of Education when looking for land for new schools, to ensure sites are large enough to include an early childhood centre.
"I hope that looking at early childhood provision before a school site is even bought will ease the establishment of early childhood centres and will help the Government meet one of our objectives to increase participation in early childhood education," Trevor Mallard said.
REVIEW OF INDUSTRY TRAINING UNDERWAY
A comprehensive review of New Zealand's industry training arrangements is to be carried out over the coming year.
Associate Education Minister (Tertiary) Steve Maharey said 63,000 workers have undertaken subsidised industry training since the passage of the 1992 Industry Training Act.
"It is now past time to review the success of the Act to ensure that it contributes to the Government's New Zealand wide strategy to improve and enhance the nation's skills. Particular issues which need examining include uneven training coverage across some industries, the capacity and number of training providers and funding arrangements to support industry training," Steve Maharey said.
Further information and the terms of reference are available at: www.executive.govt.nz/minister/maharey/
NEW WEBSITE PROFILE FOR SCHOOL SUPPORT
New Zealand schools are being encouraged to share ideas that help at-risk students through the internet. Education Minister Trevor Mallard recently launched a new section of Te Kete Ipurangi, the Online Learning Centre.
"A main aim of establishing this online environment is to provide the means for teachers and principals to publish and share their insights, materials and resources ? either in public or within private areas that the site will provide," Trevor Mallard said.
Te Kete Ipurangi can be found at www.tki.org.nz
AIMHI TEACHERS HONOURED
Also at the AIMHI conference Trevor Mallard presented awards for excellence in teaching. Eleven teachers, selected by their colleagues, received awards.
"We will always value excellence. While not every teacher can be the top teacher, we should always aspire towards a teaching profession in which we can be confident that every teacher is excellent. By encouraging teachers to share their talent and experiences, these awards complement that goal," Trevor Mallard said.
Recipients of the inaugural awards were: Jane Steele (McAuley High School) Eseta Fuli (Southern Cross Middle School) Samuel Pickett (Hillary College) Christine Lee (Mangere College) Sam Bahuguna (De La Salle College) Janne Wallace (Hillary College) Rhonda Eagles Griffiths (Otahuhu College) Trevor Lauten (De La Salle College) Robyn Parkinson (Mangere College) Leua Tamati (Otahuhu College) Richie Harris (Tamaki College)
MEETING WITH SAMOAN MINISTER OF EDUCATION
Trevor Mallard and Samoan Minister of Education Paramount Chief Naomi Mata'Afa discussed how their two education systems could work more closely together, during the Samoan Minister's recent visit to New Zealand.
In particular, Trevor Mallard said more sharing of printed resources would make good sense both economically and educationally.
MINISTER PROMOTING RIVER SAFETY
Trevor Mallard braved the rapids of the Hutt River last week as the 'victim' in a simulated drowning experience to promote a new resource to help school students gain river safety skills.
Despite the knowledge that he was surrounded by safety equipment and trained rescuers, Trevor Mallard said it was a scary experience, which reinforced his view that all people needed to be wary of the power of our rivers.
RiverSafe includes an activity-based teaching resource for secondary schools that links to the National Curriculum. It includes 19 activities, and is designed to give students the skills to complete their own risk-management analysis. Student activities are undertaken both in the classroom and on-site, which enhances students' understandings of risk management concepts.
SCHOOL VISITS
Education Minister Trevor Mallard's recent school visits have included Nelson Girls' College; Waterloo School; Kelburn Normal School, and Henley School, where he opened new buildings. He also visited Mangere Bridge School to talk with new migrant IT specialists involved in helping the students with computer work.
Tomorrow he will open new facilities at and Hora Hora School in Whangarei as well as visiting Whangarei Boys' High School.
CONTACTS AND SUBSCRIPTION
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Hon Trevor Mallard - Minister of Education
Fax: 04 495 8448 e-mail: tmallard@ministers.govt.nz
Hon Steve Maharey - Associate Minister of Education (tertiary)
Fax: 04 495 8443 e-mail: smaharey@ministers.govt.nz
Hon Lianne Dalziel - Associate Minister of Education (special education; transport)
Fax: 04 495 8463 e-mail: ldalziel@ministers.govt.nz
Hon Parekura Horomia - Associate Minister of Education (Maori education)
Fax: 04 495 8457 e-mail: phoromia@ministers.govt.nz
