Four out of ten principals say special needs are underfunded

Four out of ten principals say special needs are underfunded

A survey conducted by the New Zealand Council of Education Research found that almost 40% of the primary school principals surveyed said there was insufficient support for students with special needs is a challenge in their school.

IHC’s Director of Advocacy, Trish Grant says this number was alarming, but it confirms what parents of children with special needs tell IHC. Ms Grant said that principals, teachers and parents are tired of being blamed by government for children who have failed.

“This research confirms that it is the government that is failing this most vulnerable group of students by not providing the support schools need so they can deliver inclusive education for all,” she said.

Ms Grant also said that this research backed up the findings of work carried out last year, where secondary school principals surveyed said special needs students in their schools were indirectly discriminated against due to lack of funding, red tape and poor teacher aide funding.

Ms Grant said IHC is alarmed that the government plans to divert millions of education dollars out of the education system to models of education such as charter schools – which worldwide have been a disaster for students with special education needs.

“IHC cannot find any evidence that shows charter schools have improved education for children with special education needs”, said Ms Grant. “IHC urges the Minister listen to what principals, teachers and parents are saying are the real challenges in delivering quality, inclusive, education for all students.”

Ms Grant said that the Government was at risk of not meeting its own targets over the issue.

“Unless the Government is serious about New Zealand having a world class inclusive education – and resources schools appropriately to enable them to meet the needs of all children – the government’s own target of 100% of schools demonstrating inclusive practices by 2014 will not be achieved.”

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