Let’s debate real issue: Improving Maori Underachievement

Media Release Friday 8th June

Let’s debate the real issue – Improving Maori Underachievement

I challenge Pat to a debate on the real issue “the disgrace that is Maori underachievement” ‘And I’ll stick up for my people the underdog under any and every single hat I wear, because you and your mates couldn’t care less.’ ‘As Maori my first obligation is to tamariki mokopuna. And this isn’t a political matter, it’s an issue of justice and I make absolutely no apologies for my stand!’

‘Deceitful! Rich coming from someone who has deceived the nation for the last week or so.’

‘I want Pat to explain why it is that in 2011 only 47% 18 year old Maori learners achieved NCEA Level 2 in schools, by comparison with 75% Pakeha learners.’

‘Is he happy that after thirteen years in our top 5 OCED ranked education system, that half of Maori pupils leave school with nothing to show for those 13 years? And furthermore what is his answer to Maori underachievement Teacher Pupil ration???’

‘Why is it that some Maori Medium decile 1 Kura can achieve 100% level 1, 100% level 2, 100% level 3 and 100% U.E Teacher Pupil ratio??? We also look forward to spotting results for Maori learners to see how well they get on in terms of the NCEA goal set by the government of 85% for all learners (incl. Maori and Pasifika) achieving NCEA level 2 by the end of 2016.’

‘Wonder what Pat’s excuse will be when they don’t get there? Teacher Pupil ratio???

’How about quality teaching for starters! And I also invite Pat to come into my “generously” staffed school to see how I deploy my extra teachers. They’ll be busy making, producing, composing, manufacturing the resources that his English medium schools are blessed with, being P.D experts across the curriculum that English medium schools have by the score, being a Resource Teacher for this, that and everything else that his schools take for granted.’

‘The point is that the system is geared up for English Mainstream medium from the A to the Z of it. So how come the long tail of Maori and Pasifika underachievement Pat?’

And the curly question;

‘Why is it that in this paradise of yours, you continue to get the same awful results for Maori and Pasifika year in year out’ or conversely why is it that many Maori medium Kura within their Spartan, sparse environment achieve sustained high achievement results – the best in the country? Teacher Pupil ratio??? Nothing to do with it check us out. We might scare you with the answers!’

Better get used to an Iwi voice! We’re here to stay!

Pem Bird

Chairman Nga Kura-a-Iwi o Aotearoa

ENDS

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