Educational entrepreneurs locked out of the NZ market

Educational entrepreneurs locked out of the NZ market

The Ministry of Education proves illusive and unreceptive to private professional development providers.

Ms Del Costello from Tall Poppies Group Ltd has been involved with the teaching of oral language in a variety of contexts over the past 7 years. Most recently in the development and implementation of the TalKit Oral Language Programme for Primary Schools. The business is privately owned and along with many other similar organisations and companies throughout NZ she has failed to gain access to the professional development and resource market for NZ schools due to Ministry of Education’s closed policies and procurement procedures.

1. Ms Costello has received dozens of expressions of interest in the programme from schools. Out of these expressions of interest, only 15 schools have managed to find the funding to implement this programme. When asked why they were not able to go ahead all schools (without exception) stated lack budgets as the reason. The vast majority of professional development comes from the MOE contracts (these are the only option for many schools who are not capable of raising funds by other means). That means choose a MOE funded programme or nothing. “When asked if they would take up the programme if it was MOE funded there was a resounding “yes” says Ms Costello.

2. As a private educational venture, it is very difficult to access Ministry of Education Professional Development Funding for a programme such as the TalKit Oral Language. It is impossible to even try and talk to anyone in the Ministry about this- dead ends at every corner. It appears to be a closed shop.

3. The MOE are restricting schools abilities to choose programmes and providers that suit the needs of their students and communities.

4. The USA, Australia and many other countries around the world are happy to allow private professional learning providers and resources into the market. “I’ve just returned from the USA where schools and private enterprise work together. I get tired of hearing the Minister of Education go on about lifting the literacy level of our students when there are solutions sitting in our backyard“ says Ms Costello.

“I could understand if they looked at our products and said they are no good, but they won’t even take a look. Our resources as currently being reformatted for the Australian market- they are interested. The NZ government has invested millions supporting research and development across many sectors and it is frustrating to see educational entrepreneurs stonewalled and pushed offshore when there is such need here in NZ. Our focus should be on giving our kids a voice and building literacy. As a nation we have the ability, the professionals and the expertise to deliver an education that is second to none. It make no sense at all to close the shop to external providers. Schools should be given a choice, competition raises the bar at all levels. I just cannot understand what they (MOE) are afraid of” says Ms Costello.

ENDS

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