Monday, 18 June 2007

Latest University stats warn of looming crisis

The latest annual survey from the NZ Vice-Chancellors’ Committee has shown a massive and widening gap in the make-up university graduates, says United Future education spokesperson, Judy Turner.

“Over the last ten years, males shrunk to just 41% in 2005, down from 48% in 1996. This is a massive decrease and should be sending warning bells ringing through the Minister’s office,” she says.

“The statistics for Maori is even more depressing, with only 34% of Maori university graduates male, compared to 66% female.

“New Zealand males completing their Masters level in 2000 made up 46% in 2000, but in 2005 accounted for only 33%.

“This problem is reaching epidemic proportions. Many in the tertiary education sector are trying to have the seriousness of this gender gap recognised, but their warnings are falling on deaf ears from the Beehive.”

Massey University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor in education, James Chapman warned last month that more needed to be done to help restore the gender balance, after he observed a graduation ceremony where only 15 out of 158 graduates were men.

Dr Paul Baker, Rector of Waitaki Boys’ High School, who has served as a Government advisor for education, has said that New Zealand's response to the gender gap at secondary level ‘has been one of denial, delay and trivialisation’.

“Our education system is failing men and boys badly. To what level must the ratios have to fall to before the Government will acknowledge this looming social disaster and take action?”

ENDS

© Scoop Media