Parents Pan the NCEA: Press Release

FROM: PANCEA (Parents Against the NCEA)

Media release – 19 July 2002

PARENTS PAN THE NCEA

We are speaking out today because we are really concerned at the effect NCEA is having on our Year 11 sons and daughters both now and for their future. There are major problems with the NCEA as it stands at present and these concerns must be addressed and addressed NOW.

In particular:

1. Lack of trialling.

The NCEA is an untested experiment that has been imposed on our teachers and students. Why wasn’t it trialled for a year at selected schools alongside School Certificate?

2. Marking system.

· Students don't know where they stand – they need to have a percentage mark
There is no way there can be consistency in marking between different schools ·
Marking rules are being changed halfway through the Year (see attached NCEA newsletter)
· There are no incentives for students to do their best, let alone to excel

Our students are feeling stressed, frustrated and disillusioned. We are already seeing evidence of students being turned off school and the desire to learn

3. Our teachers have grave concerns.

A recent survey of teachers at 89 schools (see attached) showed an overwhelming lack of confidence in the NCEA, grave concern about moderation and its likely validity as a qualification here or overseas. Teacher are overloaded with work and are having to spend so much time assessing students, there is less and less time for actual teaching.

4. It is under-resourced. There has been insufficient training and the exemplars that were promised to guide teachers in consistent marking have not been provided.

We cannot allow this to continue - our children's futures and the future of our education system in NZ are at stake. We are sick of our kids being the guinea pigs of this untrialled and untested qualification. We want recognition that there are serious problems. We want NCEA shelved for this year - it is not too late to revert to School Certificate provided a decision is made NOW. We want an undertaking from all parties aspiring to be the next government that the problems will be addressed and addressed as a matter of URGENCY. The introduction of Level 2 NCEA must be delayed.

Issued by Parents Against the NCEA (PANCEA)

For further information, contact: Susan Marriott Ph 04.475 8629 (hm)

Or

Catherine Judd Ph 04.475 3719 (hm) Ph 04 471 8201 cjudd@awaroa.com

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