Professionals Applaud Proposed Standard Changes

Professionals Applaud Proposed Changes to National Standards to Recognize Excellence

Raising standards reporting to recognize excellence is a positive step forward that is supported by members of giftEDnz: The Professional Association for Gifted Education as they celebrate Gifted Awareness Week (14-20 June).

Yesterday’s announcement in Parliament by the Hon Bill English indicates changes to the National Standards regime, which to date has not included reporting mechanisms for those achieving well-above the standard. In contrast, students performing well-below the standard are to be reported.

Although this announcement is a welcome change in its acknowledgement of gifted and talented students, it is unclear whether this affects schools’ reporting requirements to the Ministry of Education, or simply reporting to parents.

“It is critical, that students performing well-above standard, are monitored and expected to demonstrate appropriate growth throughout their schooling,” says Chairperson, Assoc Prof Tracy Riley.

“Furthermore, in order for teachers to accurately measure the progress of gifted and talented students, above-level assessment is required. Assessment designed for average learners will not push the limits of students who are truly well-above standard.”

“Identifying performance well-above standard is only the first step, though. Teachers then have know how to cater effectively for gifted and talented learners in their classroom programmes.”

Ironically, the implementation of National Standards coincides with an erosion of funding and support for gifted and talented education, and follows an often-cited 2008 Education Review Office report which demonstrated that over half New Zealand’s schools were only somewhat or not responsive to the needs of gifted and talented students. The ERO report concluded that teachers require ongoing professional learning and support – which was slashed by the Government in 2009.

Dr Riley concludes, “While we are pleased with the acknowledgement of students performing well-above what might be expected for their year level, without required reporting at a Ministry level and ongoing professional development for teachers, the promise of these students may never be realized.”

ENDS

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