International results show National Standards failure - NZEI

International results show National Standards failure - NZEI

30 November 2016

Latest international results in maths and science indicate the Government's National Standards programme has failed, NZEI Te Riu Roa says.

The Latest TIMSS results put New Zealand children in year 5 and 9 near the bottom of international rankings when compared with other developed nations. This is the second time since National Standards were introduced in 2010 that New Zealand has been ranked so low.

"The Government should see this as a warning that National Standards are not the answer to lifting the achievement of New Zealand children - well resourced schools and well supported teachers are.

"Kiwi parents will be concerned to learn that National Standards have failed to do the job the Government set them up to do - make children score better in maths.

"Its time to stop experimenting on New Zealand children. What works for kids is a well-funded public education system where schools have the resources they need, and teachers are supported professionally, to nurture the potential of every child.

"One of the most serious problems highlighted in TIMSS is the huge imbalance between the results of Maori and Pacifika children and others. National Standards have done nothing to fix this disparity which TIMSS, like other studies, has linked to poverty.

"New Zealand will never perform well in these international rankings if the needs of Maori, Pacifica and children from low income families are not met.

"If Government is serious about raising achievement for all kiwi kids it should reverse its cuts to public school funding, invest in professional development, and stop siphoning public money into charters and private schools," Ms Green said.

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