PTE’s enthused by focus on key student success

PTE’s enthused by focus on key student success factors.

It is unfortunate that Roz Connelly, in her criticism of private training establishments (PTE’s) and by implication their students has focused so discriminately in pursuit of self agenda. The argument “free trade in education is already failing students” being supported by data supplied from 4% of all PTE’s, and no public institution comparison.

The recent Press Release fails to mention that there are more than 870 private training establishments. Whilst still a very concerning issue, the figures quoted are less significant than were trying to be conveyed. The New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers notes that there is no comparison to public tertiary education institutions completion or qualification achievement. The release fails to recognize the dynamics of adult learning processes and the many factors contributing to ‘successful completion’ and ‘qualification achievement’ in all institutions (public or Private). This is a common issue for all tertiary institutions. Completion and pass rates are far more complex than the one factor of competition and or ownership profile as the release attempts to claim.

Karl Yates of the New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers said that the Association has always championed quality and firmly believes that those providers who do not meet the requirements of their NZQA registration will be dealt with appropriately. NZAPEP is encouraged and supportive of recent government policy and mechanisms in dealing with such issues as quality provision, and the measurement of completion and qualification achievement as a basis of funding. NZAPEP eagerly awaits the effects of the policy on all tertiary institutions.

As an industry NZAPEP believes positive steps are being taken to move towards quality education with improved access for all.

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