inspiring educators

educationspring 2010 issue date

Joy Cowley “Whose standards are these?” Under pressure Dealing with stress Support staff Quality ECE Key to change Should lifts earnings, schools love The ICT boosts health revolution (and cuts crime)

- News + views » Are our standards slipping? » Kaiarahi i te reo » Leadership » PPPs » The nightmare ‘vision’ » Teacher Masterchef » Winning kindergarten » Young Members - Network » Maori-medium standards » Letter from Australia » Book Giveaways Aotearoa Extreme short-throw projector

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Optional laptop shelf Contents News Features Editorial 4 Lifelong benefits 10 Message from the president 4 Quality ECE Interact 27 5 Cook up a dream 14 Nightmare vision Engage Motorised height-adjustable stand with control unit 7 Teacher Masterchef Includes ActivInspire Industrial round up 8 Professional Edition News 9 Under pressure 16 Software Favourite ways to beat stress Extra Technology 27 Teacher Pen Opinion Joy Cowley Optional drawer 18 For and against: the ICT Half-baked 34 What standards? revolution Hidden wheels for safety YMN on the ‘vision’ “Right Click” button Are standards slipping? 20 The professionals 30 “Left Click” tip No, they’re not Dunedin’s one day school + GST Student Pen Just $8995 Touch More kaia-rahi 22 Winning kindergarten Dual-User Te reo Ma-ori functionality Reviews 32 Support staff 24 Best new books Key features Key to change for kids and grown-ups Book giveaways Sturdy deSign High quality components built to last

HeigHt adjuStable Easily raise and lower the ActivBoard for accessibility and easy movement between rooms dlP tecHnology No filter maintenance dramatically reduces costs long lamP life Industry first 6,000 hour lamp reduces replacement cost Optional storage drawer Optional shelf with lockable can be locked for security storage holds up to 17” laptop

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New Zealand ranks higher Leadership Letters to the editor

lobal warming, ometimes it takes a crisis to bring out the best in Australian limited all the time by being technological change, people. Inspiring examples of leadership have league tables told to do things one way. From the archive G resource shortages, S emerged from the debris of the Christchurch Our family recently moved to The older kids all produce population explosion, financial earthquake. Similarly, National Standards and Australia where our primary the same ideas and work. The Camp at Stewart Island crisis and recession—no deep cuts to early childhood education funding age children are struggling We are looking at an wonder today’s parents are are producing new educational leaders to take up with standards and testing. alternative school but we About 300 teachers visited that enchanting holiday resort more anxious than ever. the challenge. These are people with a passionate I feel so lucky my children chose our present school – Stewart Island – and there for a week they found many Unfortunately, such fast- commitment to quality public education. had such a rich grounding because it was seen as the attractions in the fourth Summer School of the Southland changing times also create a Sadly, they are all too needed. We are clearly at school in Wellington. best public school due to its Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute. The climate where opportunism and self-interest thrive moving away from a partnership model that They were encouraged to results and its reputation. majority of the visitors were from Southland, but every part on the politics of fear. saw ‘Big P’ politics mediated by the voice and be independent thinkers But it is sadly lacking. of the Dominion was represented. The site of the school Never is this more evident than in the ‘greater contribution of experts and practitioners. and they found so many Everything we know was an ideal one, and the list of lectures set down ensured accountability’ and ‘standards’ agenda being foisted Day after day, we hear glib phrases such as creative ways to express their about the future shows we that those so inclined received full measure of intellectual on public education systems around the world. ‘high standards’, ‘greater accountability’ and a knowledge rather than being need creative and discerning instruction. National Education, February 1, 1928 With this agenda, politicians stand to win votes drive for educators to become state servants. told how to think. We should learners who will take green by being ‘tough on teachers’, and individuals and Today, I read an e-newsletter sent to schools be striving for unique minds technologies beyond what we businesses make small fortunes by marketing the by Minister Anne Tolley. Apparently, she is not standardisation. can currently imagine. Drills latest whizz-bang solution to ‘educational failure’. inviting a number of sector groups (including Our year four daughter and testing won’t do it. by the Ministry of Education Think millions of dollars of professional development NZEI) to attend a National Standards Advisory Group now has a teacher who tests Alana Spragg, between 2007 and 2009 – The poll results* funding that our government is ‘releasing’ from universities meeting to give views on the implementation of National every day on maths and South Australia visit www.educationcounts. onto the open market. Standards and guidance for improving assessment practice. How would you describe your spelling, then on Friday govt.nz). work-related stress levels? In Australia, education funding is biased away from This is in response to urgent sector challenges around This issue’s there are three tests and a winning letter The 2006 assessments Negligible public schools and towards private schools. League tables problems with the construction of the standards. monster bonus test. involved 57 countries, 13.8% are rampant. Performance pay was a feature of the election Educators, however, are not alone with this style of Sadly, all the time What failure? including all OECD Manageable policies of both the Labor Party and the Coalition. ‘consultation’. The concerns of the medical profession that could be spent in the I am interested in members. Children in 36% Yet every day the evidence mounts that such strategies and the legal profession have also been ignored in recent pursuit of learning and knowing where I can the following numbers of Tolerable don’t work. New Zealand already ranks much higher than legislative changes. These are professional groups who have real experiences to base access the PISA results that countries scored statistically 26.4% the US and the UK in studies of student achievement levels, for years worked harmoniously with governments. The knowledge on has no time in Professor Terry Crooks significantly higher than and higher than Australia on most measures. voice of the professionals is, by degrees, being marginalised. Of concern this teacher’s schedule. mentioned in the winter those from New Zealand: 20.1% In New Zealand, the more enlightened side of human Informed opinion and expertise no longer appears to hold What I miss about our issue of Education Aotearoa. Mathematical literacy: nature was in evidence in the aftermath of the Christchurch value in the decision-making processes. Intolerable Wellington school is the Terry cites the most 5 countries 3.8% earthquake. It was brilliant to see how communities can If the new education leaders become as significant as the positive nature and forward recent PISA results that Reading literacy: 3 countries overcome huge difficulties when people work together. challenges they face, they will be impressive indeed. *Results from a phone survey of 240 thinking – the idea that it show New Zealand in fifth Science literacy: 2 countries randomly selected NZEI members was more important what place out of 59 countries for In regard to the claim that Read more on stress on Paul Goulter Frances Nelson they were thinking about educational achievement in New Zealand has lots of low pp14-15 National secretary President, Te Manukura and how, rather than telling maths, science and reading performing students, here NZEI Te Riu Roa [email protected] them how or what to think. literacy. He also tells us are the percentages scoring Sadly, it seems that that “New Zealand’s tail in the lowest categories Australian teachers have of ‘underachievement’ is (Level 1 or below): Education Aotearoa to new found that basic drilling is 14-15 percent for primary Mathematical literacy: NZ support staff, explained it Managing editor Stephanie Mills To advertise: call Maree Selak, 09 589 1054, what they need to do to be education compared with the 14%, OECD average 21% is a professional magazine Editor Jane Blaikie www.hawkhurst.co.nz, or email [email protected] seen to be “succeeding” in OECD average of 21 percent.” Reading literacy: NZ 15%, from NZEI, and in some Feature writers Diana Clement, Elizabeth Brown, To subscribe, email: [email protected] Bianca Zander, Heeni Collins league tables. Richness and Brian Field OECD average 20% cases had to apologise for Design and production Alice Bell, Tangible Media To contribute, email: [email protected] creative uniqueness is being Tauranga Science literacy: NZ 14%, its content, since material Cover photo Claire De Barr Disclaimer: The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those replaced by getting only one OECD average 19% appealing to support staff All rights reserved. Address 12th Floor, Education House, of NZEI Te Riu Roa or its members. Education Aotearoa is New Zealand’s result. Terry Crooks responds: was absent. West Building, 178 Willis St, Wellington 6140 foremost publication dedicated to celebrating and informing educators working Our older daughter is Here are the statistics from Support staff This brought home to me Website: www.educationaotearoa.org.nz or www.nzei.org.nz in early childhood and primary education. getting A’s and is bored the last (2006) round of As an NZEI secondary my share of responsibility For NZEI HELP call 0800 693 443 ISSN 1176-5062 with the work as it is not PISA assessments at age 15 worksite representative, I for that content, and a need stimulating and she is being (released in various reports have distributed copies of to express a view about it. 4

 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 |  slugThe best education interact news an educator can get. Vision or nightmare? The government’s Vision for the Teaching Profession report has been greeted with silence: most people haven’t heard of it; and those who have are stunned by the implications. Jane Blaikie reports

this report proposes radical changes to initial Response: “Units are used for career teacher education, ‘standards’ against which paths and leadership roles and using them teachers would be assessed, and performance pay- for ‘rewarding or recognising’ teachers style ‘rewards’ to be administered by principals. would lead to an environment where The ‘vision’ was put together by a group of teachers were hesitant to share, collaborate nine people who met for four half-days over six and co-operate.” – Erin Lawrence, assistant months. Two members had a strong business principal focus, and while two others were principals, “There is no one ‘treatment’ or ‘formula’ Liz Parata there was no meaningful consultation. which can show a teacher is ‘performing’ 4 While EA has briefly Who’s the boss? One of its recommendations has already better than another. What works one year, mentioned support staff In the winter edition of appeared in current claims in industrial does not the next. A teacher in one school will news, in general it has Education Aotearoa, in an bargaining (making all units flexible). be an ace – and totally ineffective in another Celebrating omitted support staff profiles article entitled “Who’s the Over the next few months, NZEI will be school. Teaching and learning are that complex TEACHER and perspectives. The one Boss”, you wrote about the visit developing a more robust vision for the teaching – something this government is not moved to EDUCATION event covered in such depth of Cromwell Principal Wendy profession, NZEI Te Riu Roa Advancing Quality recognise.” – Lynne Holder, principal 1960-2010 UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO was the Fair Deal campaign Brooks to a number of South Public Education. “It is a fallacy to think that more standards in the Spring 2009 edition. Australian Schools. I would like will enable better judgments of capability and Erin Lawrence The major activity since to clarify some points. What the government proposes performance.” – Liz Parata, principal (mentioned in Autumn and I am the Restorative Initial teacher education The University of Waikato, Faculty of Education Winter) is the Workforce Services Coordinator at the • Teacher training to become a one-year post- Leadership within schools is ranked number one in New Zealand. It won Strategy study, which was Centre for Restorative Justice graduate course, followed by two years further • Compulsory training for aspiring that reputation by being flexible, innovative and not explained, but should in South Australia. post-graduate study to be completed while and new principals. promoting excellence every step of the way. be. The theme of this study We have worked with teaching. • Secondments for teachers aspiring to symbolises the major Margaret Thorsborne on a • ‘Better alignment’ between the number of become principals, and professional Whether you are a teacher wanting to enhance opportunity for EA to reach number of occasions as we teachers being trained and the number of mentoring for all principals. Bruce McDonald your teaching practice or a school manager support staff. have with other interstate ‘appropriate’ placements available. • Principals to ‘reward’ excellence seeking career development, the Faculty of Ian de Stigter practitioners/trainers, but Response: “Who would put their lives in the and distributed leadership. ‘Using units for Education will take you places. We offer Auckland would like to point out that all hands of partially trained pilots or surgeons?” Response: “Compulsory training has many postgraduate diplomas, masters and doctoral those visited by Wendy have – Kerry Hawkins, principal implications and the sector needs to be fully “rewarding or study in a diverse range of areas. Editor responds: worked through our centre for “Teacher and school goodwill will be stretched engaged in clarifying these.” – Jeanette Tod, Thanks for your comments training and support. … the model would definitely put the emphasis deputy principal recognising” Applications are now open. Embrace the Ian – see pp 24-25 for Restorative practice is on schools to train student teachers how to teachers would challenging environment of tertiary study and more on the Support Staff more than a programme, it teach; to act as consultants and advisors for the Leadership of the profession apply today. Workforce Strategy. I am is a way of being, a way of universities; and be paid a pittance for doing • Refocusing the New Zealand Teachers lead to an very interested to hear from interacting on a daily basis, it.” – Bruce McDonald, principal Council as a ‘strong professional body’ with Bold Ideas. Smart People. Unlimited Ambition. support staff. Send your and a change of ethos is often a leadership role, but without representation environment photos, stories, letters and required. Rewards, recognition and from the sector. where teachers ideas to educationaotearoa@ Debbie Laycock progression Issues of concern to Ma-ori: To be considered nzei.org.nz South Australia • Increased focus on professional development at a later date. were hesitant during classroom release time and term breaks. The early childhood sector: Omitted from • Performance pay-style rewards, determined the report. to share, by principals, to ‘incentivise’ teachers. To find out more about the vision (or was collaborate and Permanent units to be scrapped. that a nightmare?), visit www.nzei.org.nz/ 0800 83 22 42 www.waikato.ac.nz/education Our winning letter writer receives a $100 book voucher— • New ‘standards’ against which teachers vision.html. See the views of NZEI’s Young co-operate’ send your letter to [email protected] would be assessed. Member Network on p35.

 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 |  news news

Civic award been persuaded by the A sick joke? focus on test preparation, Southland principal employer to turn down NZEI and the New and discrimination against Industrial Marlene Campbell, who another job offer to take Zealand Nurses students with disabilities, has spoken out publicly the position. She did Organisation jointly indigenous children roundup on the problems of not want to be named, warned the government and those from poor or National Standards, has but said she believed that proposed changes non-English speaking received a Civic Honours her sacking was due to sick leave provisions backgrounds. Award from Invercargill to government cuts to pose an increased risk City Council recognising the centre’s funding. to public health and are League tables her contributions to the She has since found completely unnecessary. Education Minister Anne community. another job. A teacher in People may have no Tolley announced that PPPs—will the government be ‘gamed’? Did the government get cold feet on public private partnerships Taranaki was declined choice but to send their league tables ranking (PPPs) for school property projects? No. Instead, Education ECE teacher mortgage finance by a children to school when primary schools were Minister Anne Tolley announced she is pressing on with plans. sacked under bank, which said that they are sick. See now inevitable in New It looks increasingly as if a significant chunk of the Ministry of • Primary teachers 90-day law as she was still in her NZEI’s video on the Zealand. Unsurprisingly, Education’s property programme will be bundled into a PPP. and principals are An early childhood first 90 days in a new changes, A Sick Joke? new league tables of Australian companies were lining up to take the money. urged to attend paid teacher was fired under job, she did not have a at www.nzei.org.nz/ New Zealand tertiary As the New Zealand Herald’s business columnist Fran union meetings in the 90-day ‘trial’ period permanent source of institutions ranked those O’Sullivan wrote, with reference to the South Canterbury October to hear law, despite having income. Annual meeting with higher numbers of Finance bailout, “the smart money now knows that the Key the latest on the Around 400 members part-time students, older government can be ‘gamed’.” Education Aotearoa has obtained stalled pay talks, met in Rotorua at the end students, extramural the government’s stage one school property PPP business case and to discuss Earthquake exposes of September to address students and second- under the Official Information Act. Copies can be downloaded further action to Tomorrow’s Schools the big issues facing chance learners as lower. from www.educationaotearoa.org.nz. be taken. A key “It’s been horrific to be completely honest,” public education in New Following the demotion of ACT MP Heather Roy, Rodney issue for teachers says Christchurch support staff member Gaye Zealand. The education Charter schools Hide has been appointed Associate Education Minister is the Ministry of Education’s proposal to make all units Parlane. And it is “heartbreaking” for the children minister was expected to Stanford University has with responsibility for school PPPs. He also takes over flexible, which would have serious implications for associate at the two schools which remain closed due to attend. found that fewer than responsibilities for special education, and as a result the and deputy principals. For principals, the issue is proposed extensive damage. The Christchurch earthquake one in five US charter release of the report of the Review of Special Education has mandatory annual leave. NZEI campaign director Neil has also exposed some difficulties with the Education minister schools (public money been delayed. Hammond says this would destroy a system of ‘give and Tomorrow’s School model. Once the Civil Defence scrapped for privately run schools) take’ that has worked well for decades. Non-attendance at requirements ended, it was up to schools to make The Labor Party scraped are outperforming meetings is tantamount to saying ‘yes’ to the ministry’s offer. individual decisions about staffing and opening. into power in Australia, comparable state Attend a meeting near you—www.nzei.org.nz/Whats+On/ Gaye found herself alone at her school, in a two- and Prime Minister Julia schools. About half Events.html. storey building, during a 5.1 aftershock. “I didn’t Gillard promptly scrapped perform at the same • Bargaining is underway for area school teachers, although have my car as I’d been dropped off—nobody the position of Education level, and 37% are doing NZEI was still awaiting a formal offer from the Ministry. would have known I was there.” Minister. The education “significantly worse”. The earthquake has meant a lot of extra work, portfolio has been split In Sweden, similar • Paid union meetings for kindergarten members are including checking for new damage following between a Minister for ‘free’ schools are now It is with sadness that NZEI scheduled for November. Members will vote on claims for a aftershocks. But Gaye says principals have Schools, Early Childhood shown to be “benefitting notes the passing of Peter new agreement to replace the one expiring early in 2011. generally been really good about giving staff the and Youth and a Minister only the children of Kohing on 20 August, 2010. time off they needed, and the NZEI networks have for Jobs, Skills and wealthy parents, [while] Peter contracted an incurable • New agreements for early childhood members working for worked well in keeping educators informed and Workplace Relations. A widening opportunity cancer as a result of exposure Barnados and the Salvation Army were strongly endorsed in supported. Teach Next programme gaps,” according to The to asbestos during his long ratification meetings. Special education services will continue to will see maths and science Guardian. career as a primary teacher • Further meetings were being held with special education monitor the well-being of students as evidence professionals, such as lab and principal. field staff to clarify issues around workload concerns in suggests that the effects of trauma may be technicians, accountants Teaching In his last months he lobbied the lead up to bargaining. Bargaining for special education delayed and become more apparent at the and engineers, in training cuts hard to make others aware of the asbestos threat, service managers had begun. start of the current term, with deteriorating classrooms after just eight Massey University will resulting in widespread publicity of the issue (read behaviour. NZCER has made available for free weeks of training. A $A175 offer 200 fewer places • Support staff member leaders were meeting to identify key more about the continuing deadly trade at http://bit. download a book to help schools, libraries and million performance pay to aspiring teacher ly/dmMXw3. issues, ahead of meetings of members to be held early next parents support students. www.nzcer.org.nz/ scheme for teachers is on trainees in 2011, year, in the run up to bargaining in 2011. pdfs/after_disaster_web.pdf its way too. It is expected following the government A remarkable and courageous man to the end. ustration: c h ris s l ane ustration:

i ll to lead to an even greater funding clampdown.

 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 |  early childhood early childhood

KEY points ‘It’s ironic that the The evidence against cuts • Opposition to funding cuts to early The debate isn’t just about the quantity of early childhood education childhood education (ECE) is growing government is pushing available to the community. It’s about quality, with centres no longer • Some $435 million is being cut from participation at a time incentivised to have 100% trained staff. existing programmes, over four years “Kindergarten employs qualified teachers because we know they make a significant difference,” says Clare Wells, New Zealand • The government has abandoned the in which they just made 100% qualified teacher target Kindergartens chief executive. participation harder for The critical importance of ECE is further backed by concerns from • The cuts will affect more than half of the children currently enrolled in early many families’ primary school principals. Pat Poland, president of the Waikato childhood services Principals’ Association, says the cuts will have an impact on primary schools’ National Standards results. • Evidence confirms that qualityECE will boost a child’s lifelong earnings and Poland is principal at decile four Deanwell quality of life School in Hamilton. About 20 percent of new High/Scope Perry Preschool program public costs and benefits entrants starting at the school have had no Total public benefit: $195,621 pre-school education. Many have never seen Total cost: $15,166 a book and some cannot even hold a pencil. Return per dollar invested: $12.90 At the end of their first year these children invariably do worse in National Standards Benefits testing than their higher achieving peers who went to a local centre. Costs “Reducing hours or cutting the availability $ 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 of the 20 free hours is going to impact the n Education savings $7,303 n Welfare savings $2,768 n Taxes on earnings $14,078 n Crime savings $171,473 levels of achievement of children coming to us,” says Poland. The 2004 Perry Program study, in the US, which had tracked children for Research from around the world is 40 years, found that those who received quality early childhood education stacked against the government’s approach. committed far fewer crimes, went on to higher education in much greater Literally dozens of studies show the lifelong numbers, earned more and paid more taxes than those who did not. benefits of early childhood education (www. publicpolicyforum.org/Matrix.htm). The much quoted Perry Preschool Program take radical approaches to remain open. study in Michigan, US, divided a group of of low-income African- Lifelong benefits Academics here in New Zealand have American children in two, with one-half receiving quality early come out against the proposed cuts. Massey childhood education and the other, none. Over 40 years the favoured Diana Clement arents, economists, scientists, unions, Sir Peter told TV One that investing more University associate professor of early children outperformed their peers—significantly more graduated primary principals and teachers, and in the early years would save money in years education Claire McLachlan says the from high school, were in paid employment, earned more, owned discovers that their own homes and committed far fewer crimes. P opposition leaders: they’re all unhappy at future through reduced crime and improved further reduction of funding and scrapping early childhood the cuts to early childhood education funding employment. of incentives to have registered staff is a In New Zealand, the government has set aside funding to target education will announced in this year’s Budget. “I would be focusing much earlier in life, ‘significant loss’, which will see centres funded 3500 ‘at risk’ children who are not in centres. However, many In the Bay of Plenty, parents took to the and giving children in the first six years of at less than 80 percent in future. more ‘at risk’ children are attending some form of early childhood change a child’s streets, with 2000 turning out for a good old- life a lot more skills so that they’re more “It’s kind of ironic that the government education, and are among the 92,000 to be affected by the cuts. life forever fashioned rally against the cuts. resilient to cope with these issues, which are is pushing participation at a time in which In the UK, the New Economics Foundation report A Bit Rich: It’s a politically charged debate. But at the inevitable later in life,” says Sir Peter. “All they just made participation harder for many Calculating the real value to society of different professions found same time, evidence is emerging from the the evidence—and it’s compelling evidence, families,” says McLachlan. that the contribution to society of an EC educator was higher than a academic community that cuts to ECE are likely absolutely compelling—is that if we want to “In reality, centres that haven’t wanted to city banker, advertising executive or tax accountant. to backfire when it comes to the government’s create children who are more resilient to going employ qualified staff have avoided doing this “When we take account just of the lifestyle and equality benefits stated aims of reducing the youth suicide rate through the later stages of life, developing as long as possible. Those with a strong profit from being able to work outside the home, we find that every £1 paid and risk-taking behaviours such as smoking, those skills of how to make judgements, how motive, rather than quality motive, will have little to a childcare worker generates £7 worth of benefits for society,” drunkenness and unsafe sex. to act more responsibly, and think about cause to look for high quality staff, while centres the foundation says. “They also unlock social benefits in the shape Above: Some 2000 Even the government’s own chief science consequential influences of what they do— that believe in the importance of qualified staff of the learning opportunities that children gain outside the home. people turned out in advisor, Sir Peter Gluckman, is widely reported this is determined before six years of age.” will have to pass costs on to families or make cuts For every £1 they are paid, childcare workers generate between £7 Tauranga to protest as saying he wants more government funding As the dust settles on the May Budget, in other areas, such as resourcing, professional and £9.50 worth of benefits to society.”

the cuts. focused on early childhood. however, centres are having to face facts and h s: c l aire de b arr Ph otograp development and equipment.” 4

10 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 11 early childhood

Coping with the changes Peter Reynolds, CEO of the Early membership identified that over a parents, the centre devised a strategy Childhood Council (ECC), says the third were likely to be affected by the to ensure survival, says Harding. That government’s removal of the 80% to move. Of that third, nearly a half were involved applying for an all-day licence, 100% funding band has been a blow intending to increase their fees as which resulted in hourly funding per for early childhood centres, many of a result. And the same number was child being increased, although the whom had invested money and effort intending to review staffing. situation was difficult because the into building their qualified teacher One centre that has taken a crèche didn’t want to become a full capacity. radical approach to the budget cuts day centre. The cost to parents has Some are feeling as if they have is the East Coast Bays Community increased from $15 to $16 per session. wasted their money and time, says Crèche in Auckland. Centre manager To make the numbers work, existing Reynolds, and those that have Penelope Harding said staff went into staff have had to reduce their non- gone the extra mile to achieve a shock when the budget cuts were contact time significantly, which Visit the NZ Transport Agency’s government goal are now being announced. “We worked out we could makes the job harder. “The teachers rebuffed by government. lose up to $56,000 in our funding.” are making the sacrifices once again,” education portal for schools. An informal survey of the ECC’s Instead, following consultations with says Harding. You can fi nd resources to help create curriculum content about 4 NZEI Te Riu Roa surveyed more than 1600 NZEI welcomes the move as it will open up parents following the Budget and found that opportunities, particularly for people living and travelling safely. You can also of the 1604 surveys received, an overwhelming working in smaller communities who have not read stories about what other 1584 parents said they believed their child easily been able to access degree training. should have qualified early childhood “It will meet both the need for more schools are doing with their education teachers, and 1566 agreed that all qualified early childhood teachers around communities and share yours. children should. the country and the demand from people Parents were also asked whether they should who want to qualify and complete a specialist pay more for early childhood education and the early childhood teaching degree,” says Judith response was a resounding “no”. Nowotarski. “This survey is a clear signal that parents The degree course also recognises the growing HTTP:// understand and value the importance of having professionalism of early childhood education in fully qualified teachers educating and caring for New Zealand. One of the strongest indicators of EDUCATION. their children—it’s a shame the Government quality early childhood education is having fully NZTA. doesn’t share that view, and instead chooses to qualified and registered staff, she says. GOVT.NZ undermine quality early childhood education,” “The sector is committed to upskilling and says NZEI Vice-President Judith Nowotarski. providing quality early childhood education for our youngest children. It’s unfortunate Out of step the government doesn’t share that view and is The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa taking away millions of dollars from centres VISIT says it is ironic that a new early childhood and services which have more than 80% http://education.nzta.govt.nz degree is being offered around the country, at a qualified staff.” COMPETITION! time when the government is undermining the The Education Minister has told value of qualified early childhood teachers. kindergarten teachers that they should not raise Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/New Zealand fees to parents to deal with the cuts, but instead z for Check http://education.nzta.govt.n Childcare Association is launching a new employ fewer qualified staff. Judith Nowotarski Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood says, “It just goes to show that the government details on how your school can get involved Education) in 14 regions from Kaitaia to is completely out of step with the sector and in a video and storyboard competition and Dunedin. The three-year course will allow with what parents and children deserve. People win some great prizes. students to study for a degree while working do not accept John Key’s assertion that having at a centre. 80% qualified teachers is ‘good enough’.”n

• Sign up to follow the NZEI’s campaign on ECE budget cuts – visit: http://bit.ly/dcDd01

education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 13

NTA 15719 Travel Safe Ad1 EdAotearoa FP.indd 1 29/6/10 4:08:21 PM high flyer

“This is the first chance Cook up your dream like this I’ve ever had and I New Zealand’s firstMasterchef winner is giving himself six should see where all these months to realise his culinary dreams. If it doesn’t work out, he’ll opportunities take me” head straight back to the classroom. Elizabeth Brown talked to Brett McGregor about cooking, teaching and seizing the day. ‘Ben Lummis’ because people think that once you win these types of shows you have a couple of really good weeks and then it’s all gone. I ust two days after he left his job as deputy for interest in the first New Zealand series. I said don’t want that to be true for me.” principal and teacher at Christchurch’s to my wife, ‘I reckon I could do that’, and she So pursuing those opportunities is exactly JBranston Intermediate, Brett McGregor said ‘go on then’.” what Brett is doing. He is running a cooking was missing his class. class in Christchurch, training with well-known New Zealand’s firstMasterchef winner has Huge secret chef Jonny Schwass, appearing and speaking at made what he describes as his toughest-ever So Brett auditioned and got through. It was charities and events, writing a column for Zest decision, and is leaving teaching to pursue his during the first bit of filming for the series magazine, talking to an Australian company culinary dreams. in January that he secured the job as deputy about a possible TV show, and cooking up a When he took the Masterchef crown in April principal at Branston Intermediate. storm in his kitchen as he works on a cookbook the headlines read “Masterchef won’t give up “I think that took some of the pressure off me due out for Mother’s Day next year. his day job”. The 37-year old says that while during the Masterchef competition because I’d He’s excited about the book, which will that was his genuine intention, the pressures of come back to New Zealand to teach and I knew have 80 recipes. There will be some Kiwi fare trying to juggle his day job as a teaching deputy that I had a job which I wanted to do waiting but much of it will draw on the influences and principal with the opportunities presented by for me,” he says. It also meant that he started at flavours from Brett’s years of nomadic travel his Masterchef success meant he had no life left. Branston Intermediate with a huge secret. around the world. Rewind to last year when Brett, his wife and “I’d won Masterchef but of course I had to keep seven-year-old son Jack had returned to New it quiet while it screened on TV which was pretty Regret Zealand from Hong Kong where he had been hard with all the kids coming up hassling me to tell “While I was travelling I would often knock on the teaching. them. But I kind of enjoyed it because how often cook’s door and ask what they had put in the food “I was basically having six months off when do you have a chance to keep a secret like that?” and whether I could watch them for a bit. I would we were sitting at our bach in Kaikoura and Brett did tell his principal who also kept the jot everything down in notebooks which I’ve kept Australian Masterchef was on. They were calling news close to her chest. but I never thought would come in handy.” Brett’s decision to leave teaching is tinged with regret. He says he will miss his class and with parmesan and linguine all the banter with his students but won’t miss Busy people’s chicken Above: Brett McGregor The “secret” came out when the final was the planning and “feeling like I’m constantly 400g linguine Cook pasta as directed. nicely golden on both sides the chicken and pour over with Paul Gebbie, screened in late April with Brett winning a last having to catch my tail”. 2 tbsp olive oil I like to use the Italian and cooked through, the sauce and combine Cherie Noble, Panmai cook-off with fellow contestant Kelly Young to He also believes focusing on the pure art of 2 cloves of garlic, pasta Rustichella then set aside. well, ensuring everything Kernkhunthot and Caleb take the title. Since that day Brett’s life has been teaching is getting harder. left whole d’abruzzo because of Grab a jar with a tight is very nicely coated. Forbes of Branston ‘crazy’. He was working full-time at school but “We’re becoming more like social workers 6-700g boneless chicken its beautiful texture. lid and add the lemon Sprinkle the remaining Intermediate. was away up to three days a week in Auckland and those issues which come from outside breast or thighs, sliced You can find it at a good juice, oil, parsley, half the cheese over the top, with Masterchef commitments and pursuing the classroom are taking the focus away from Juice of 1 large lemon supermarket. parmesan cheese and season again, and serve. opportunities which have fallen out of the show. teaching. The challenge is to try and keep ¼ cup olive oil While the pasta is shake until well combined. Brilliant. In the end Brett felt it wasn’t fair on his class motivated. I think as long as you are a motivated ½ cup flat leaf parsley cooking, heat a pan on Check seasoning and Best served with fresh and he needed to make the hard call. teacher and motivated for your students to 1 cup grated parmesan a medium heat and add adjust as required. It should crusty bread. Serves 4. succeed, they will.” Salt and black pepper a couple of tablespoons taste a little sharp, with the New cook book So Brett is giving himself six months to chase to taste of oil then garlic. Let the beautiful parmesan taste For Brett’s quinoa, “Chances like this don’t happen to many people his culinary dreams and might appear back on garlic infuse with the oil coming through. rocket and pistachio and I decided this is the first chance like this our TV screens as a guest on the next series of for about a minute then Drain the pasta and add salad with chicken, visit I’ve ever had and I should just take it and see New Zealand Masterchef. But if it doesn’t work add the chicken. Cook until it to a large bowl. Throw in educationaotearoa.co.nz where all these opportunities take me,” he says. out he says he’ll be just as happy back in the

b et h h : nei l m ac Ph otograp “My nickname from the kids at school was classroom as he is in the kitchen. n

14 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 15 stress How teachers deal with stress that they simply didn’t have time to counteract We asked 240 educators how they had dealt with stress in the last the stress that came with it.’ year. Most had more than one way of coping. In such cases, members admitted they often • Exercise and sport – 78.6% turned to a quick fix. About a third of those • Hobbies and interests, including music and other arts – 83.6% surveyed said they’d used alcohol to reduce • Yoga, tai chi or similar practices – 13% stress, and worryingly, nearly ten percent said • Spending time with friends or family – 95.4% they relied on prescription medication. • Religion or other spiritual expression – 26.5% But happily, drinkers were in the minority. • Alcohol – 34.5% More than twice as many—nearly four out of • Prescription medication – 9.7% five surveyed—said they turned to sport and • Alternative medicine – 16% exercise for stress reduction. • Peer counselling – 23.9% North Canterbury relieving teacher Adrian • Professional counselling – 7.1% Black, who is set to compete as a smallbore • Hanging on until the holidays – 78.6% target shooter in the 2010 Commonwealth • Raising the issue with school management – 53.4% Games, says there’s nothing like hard-out • Going away for the weekend – 55% training to take your mind off the job. • Contacting NZEI – 17.2% “Getting down and shooting something is a great way to relieve stress. You’re trying to get your mind focussed on something totally different, thinking about a number of “Every time this woman yelled or screamed or processes that go into each shot.” KEY points overreacted, I learned to see this woman with Under pressure The best cure Prevention compassion.” • 86 percent of Feeling sorry for her boss made Smith feel Moss encourages colleagues at her Early teachers experience Whether it’s through sport, family or a frenzied bout of shopping, for stress is stress at work empowered. “It must be really hard work to Learning Centre to take an interest in each everyone needs a way to release the pressure. Bianca Zander prevention— have that much anger and bitterness inside other’s hobbies—or “relaxers” as she calls • 24 percent of you and to always be behaving in that manner. them—and tries to accommodate time off for say stress levels looks at teachers’ favourite ways of dealing with stress. it’s more are ‘of concern’ or It can’t make you feel good.”And now when staff to do what they need to do. Among the ‘intolerable’ utting pedal to the metal of her Suzuki Heart stopping important to they have a major dispute, Smith delegates her current team are an avid patchwork quilter and Bandit motorcycle does it for early Yet at least one member surveyed said they had identify and stress to the union. “I’m not strong enough to a martial arts enthusiast. P childhood head teacher Meg Moss. little time left over for socialising once they’d met question her on my own, so I get the union to “She uses how she thinks about martial arts “When you’re riding a motorbike, you have to the commitments of the job. “The job is NOT 9 avoid stress fight my battles when I need them to.” to teach the kids physical skills like how to fall give it a hundred percent concentration. to 3, it is 7.30 to 6.30, plus 8 to 11 at night and at But she also had to make a tough choice safely. Her interest makes her a better teacher.” Cornering, watching out for cars. It’s physically least one day per weekend.” As for raising the than to to give less of herself to the school. “I had But Moss emphasises that the best cure challenging as well as enjoyable.” issue of overtime with management, the same deal with it to become less engaged with the job I love. I for stress is prevention. “It’s more important A few weeks ago, Moss gave up one of her member said she was the management. had to learn that work is not my life. Family to identify and avoid stress than to deal with Saturdays to run a rural education seminar in But some have learnt that protecting precious when you’ve is my biggest focus, not the job. Now I put my it when you’ve got it.” Her advice to new Kaitaia but made it more fun—and took the time with family and friends is essential to energy into what’s important—and it’s not colleagues is to identify when they’re feeling stress out of the trip—by riding there from lowering stress. got it school, it’s life outside of it. It’s sad but I’m stressed and work out exactly what’s causing Auckland on her bike. “I wouldn’t have done it South Island primary school teacher Sally happier for it.” it. Then try and deal with it. “Communicate if I was driving.”Before bikes, Moss kept bees. Smith* last year developed a heart condition openly with yourself and your colleagues about “When you’re working with a beehive, you from work-related stress. She ran up against Hanging on what’s bothering you and see if anything can be can’t think about anything else.” For a hobby to a dictatorial boss who made her life a living Nearly eighty percent of members said they done to alleviate it.” Above left: Early work as a stress release, she says, it has to be all hell—in and out of the classroom. Colleagues made it through the school year by hanging For Moss, the biggest stress reducers are childhood teacher Meg consuming. “Find something outside of work left by the handful, but thanks to a hefty out for the holidays and just over half said they decent child teacher ratios and adequate non- Moss likes to get away that’s really interesting and relaxing, something mortgage, she had no choice but to stick it out. reduced stress by getting away for the weekend. contact time. But she also looks to outside from things on her that’s really different.” “I had to think, ‘What do I need to do to get Though again, at least one teacher said they factors. In her previous job, she identified that motorbike. Good advice. And in a recent survey of through this?’” found it impossible to believe that “just going too much work-associated driving was causing Above right: Relieving 250 NZEI members, nearly 85 percent said For Smith the solution was private away” was even an option. her stress. teacher Adrian they used hobbies and interests—including counselling—an option used to reduce stress by Some blamed the sheer volume of work “So I decided to have work and home as Black was set to music and other arts—to reduce stress. Only around 7 percent of those surveyed. Although required, or the extra planning involved close as I could. Now I walk to work—it’s a compete at the 2010 one method was more popular, and that was counselling couldn’t remove her boss, Smith in implementing National Standards. One major stress avoider.” n Commonwealth Games. spending time with friends and family. learned to react to her in a different way. member said their workload was so intolerable * not her real name.

16 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 17 slug What standards? national standards Hugely successful children’s author Joy Cowley challenges the need for National Standards Rating well: About twelve years ago, I was at Grand Rapids I can think of a number of contributing factors: Our education system had come a long New Zealand’s public schools University, Michigan, talking to a professor of early isolation, a small population, a pioneer do-it-yourself way from the early 1940s when schools in new zealand is doing much education who wanted to visit New Zealand. He said he attitude, opportunity. But the main indicator for New Zealand were run with a kind of military school-aged children. According better educationally than needed to know what made us a country of achievers. excellence is an education system that encourages precision that had us marching into class to Emeritus Professor Terry countries that have tried the “You have such a small population,” he said, “and creative thinking. with Sousa band music and a teacher roaring Crooks of Otago University, ‘standards’ agenda of reform. yet, if you take the top ten names in the world in any In large countries with dense populations, like a sergeant major if we got out of step. a specialist in educational Yet standards are notoriously field—sport, medicine, education, music, whatever— individualism is not admired. Schools actively encourage With roll call came inspection, hands on desk assessment, “It appears that difficult to measure—questions one name will be a New Zealander. How do you conformity, tidiness, obedience, patriotism, and while to see if fingernails were clean. My generation New Zealand does a good job like who’s measuring what, explain this?” these traits may be helpful for social order, it is usually laughs about this now, but we agree that of developing thinking skills against what, and for what I confess I thought him guilty of great exaggeration at the cost of individual potential. In the past forty in those days, schools were run with more that suit PISA, but prepares purpose, make simplistic and I tried to change the subject; but later, given time years I’ve been in literally thousands of classrooms threat than encouragement. younger children less well for judgments difficult. But a few for reflection, I realised he was right. Try the test for in the United States and when I show the writing and Change seemed to come after World tests focused on curriculum well-regarded measures do yourself. Mentally skim the cream of any endeavour and art from New Zealand classrooms, teachers refuse to War 11 with a new breed of teachers who knowledge.” put New Zealand high on the you will find a Kiwi in the top ten names. Then, if you believe the young age of the students, or that the work is saw children as people, rather than adult The UN’s Education Index 2007 international tables. like, try to imagine the achievements of four million representative of most schools in our state system. investment. There was more emphasis on 1 new Zealand people picked at random from say, New York or London. literature and the arts, and at this time, New Zealand’s world ranking 20 united States So what is it that makes us great achievers? teachers set me on the road to become a on the PISA survey 30 united Kingdom writer. Looking back, I realise we were in (PISA—Programme for New Zealand ranks first equal transition from an educational system based International Student Assessment) (with Australia, Finland and on teachers’ teaching, to one that catered for reading Maths science Denmark) out of 176 countries. the child’s learning needs. 2000 3 3 6 The index is a composite We are now in an era when teachers from 2003 5 9 7 measure of the adult literacy all over the world, especially the United 2006 4 7 4 rate and the combined primary, States, are coming to New Zealand to learn secondary, and tertiary gross from New Zealand educational institutes This worldwide evaluation by enrolment ratio. and New Zealand classrooms. American the OECD was first performed teachers say, “You are so lucky not to have in 2000. PISA measures the The World Economic Forum’s standardised testing. Our children get scholastic performance of 15- Global Competitiveness Index pigeon-holed for failure at age six.” year-olds, recognising that Basic requirements—primary So what is this talk about National education is cumulative and education and health Standards, and where did it come from? that these children will have had 5 new Zealand What is the teaching experience of those who eight years of primary as well 13 australia promote it? What is it expected to achieve? as early childhood education. 19 united Kingdom Children are already closely monitored, but New Zealand rates well above 42 united States without awareness that might label them in the US and UK, both of whom a negative way. As I see it, the introduction have undertaken extensive Business New Zealand is a of National Standards can only damage an ‘standards’-style reforms of partner in the compilation of educational system that other countries envy. public education in recent this index. Interestingly, New But having said that, I believe that some decades. The 2009 results are due Zealand is much higher on kind of National Standards could apply to the out before the end of the year. this ‘Primary education and health’ measure than it is on the people who govern this country. How many TIMSS and PIRLS ‘Higher education and training’ MPs bear academic qualifications fitting for (TIMSS—Trends In International their job? How many are fluent in Te Reo, the Math and Science Study, PIRLS— measure where we rate 13th. indigenous language of this country? Progress in International Reading This latter measure takes into Literacy Study) consideration “the importance New Zealand rates above of vocational and continuous Now, that average in these two international on-the-job training—which is surveys, though not as highly as neglected in many economies— would be worthy in the PISA evaluations. TIMSS for ensuring a constant of a campaign. and PIRLS measure primary upgrading of workers’ skills”.

18 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 19 national standards Are our standards slipping? Things can go ‘really, really well’ ‘Standards’ fuel Development of National creativity decline People have been saying standards in literacy and numeracy are Standards for schools with Ma-ori ‘Standards’ imposed by politicians on ‘slipping’ for as long as there’s been public education immersion programmes is going public schools may be one reason why student well. You could even say, in all achievement levels are failing to rise in the truth, “Really, really well.” UK and US. In the US, long-running tests of His new book Are Our Standards Cath Rau (right), an educator creative thinking (the Torrance tests) have Slipping?, written with Associate Professor and Ma-ori literacy specialist, has identified a significant decline since 1990, Margaret Walshaw, traces the argument been working with a small group particularly among school-aged children. The back its roots, and finds that the idea of of writers on the development of main reasons being put up for this are that falling standards is as much a cultural, Nga- Whanaketanga over the last American kids are spending too much time social and political phenomena as a debate 18 months, and says they will fit on TV and the internet, and that standardised about education. The argument tends to split well with the Ma-ori curriculum, and resource teachers of Ma-ori) testing limits learning. (See http://bit. into two sides—with social conservatives, Te Marautanga. were consulted on how they might ly/90plml) focusing on schools as factories producing One advantage has been that work with teachers. “We received In the UK, the head of the Independent workers, facing off against progressives who the writers know each other well, absolutely fantastic feedback from Schools Council, representing fee-paying see schools as places to educate the whole and “we have had our arguments our facilitators to define and revise schools, says, “Not being taught to a particular child as democratic citizens. already about philosophies and and improve the standards.” exam but teaching around the exam makes our The argument tends to peak at times of visions”. Data from the performance of pupils better at doing exams.” uncertainty: vociferous debates in the post-World Their vision for Nga- some 1000 students was then used In France, a group of academics from War II era and in the 1970s were closely linked to Whanaketanga has settled on to “inform where the standards the country’s elite institutes recently times of economic and social uncertainty. “illuminating Ma-ori achievement,” had been set.” Cath says that hosted a ‘festival of errors’ to encourage “Today the arguments are much the same, says Cath, who had to take French standards or benchmarks are an children to learn through making mistakes. but the thing is people always think it’s new,” and German at high school arbitrary measure, and that you French scientist Louis Pasteur made his big Roger told EA. because Ma-ori was not available don’t have to set them so that 50 breakthrough in developing a cholera vaccine hat the hell are we doing in our Roger says that even today in the US and UK, until she reached university. percent or more of students are by erring with chickens, but today’s French “ schools if reading, writing and where ‘standards’ debates have led to national Once found, her passion for te failing. Once the student data was school system “puts far more emphasis on Wmaths are not the number one testing and much greater teacher accountability, reo Ma-ori, and other indigenous analysed, she found that about having the right answer than the thought priority?” said ACT MP Donna Awatere-Huata critics are still accusing governments that languages, has remained strong. 75 percent of students were at or process by which a pupil might explore the in 1998. Which is pretty much what you’d “standards are falling”. “I was very fortunate that above the standards. question being asked,” according to a report in expect—but read this, from 1958: “Do the large In New Zealand, he says, the argument when I first left teaching and “Some 25 percent of students the Guardian newspaper. number who go to universities and technical seems to be settling on the idea of the ‘hero’ branched out into Ma-ori literacy, may be struggling to meet them, In New Zealand, private schools are exempt Below: Roger colleges go to further their studies or to bring teacher; that standards can be improved by I was able to work closely with and we think that’s a reasonable from the government’s National Standards - Openshaw and their standard up to what it should have been identifying and rewarding ‘great’ teachers. Marie Clay [the founder of percentage of students who policy, while Maori medium schools have been Margaret Walshaw. had they not been betrayed in their earlier The literature around this, however, does not New Zealand’s internationally should get our attention.” given extra time to develop standards that fit - Their book is school years?” and this from 1948, “Employers indicate this will work, he says. recognised reading recovery The standards are expected to with the Maori curriculum (see story right). published by NZCER. … have long been vocal in their criticism that The authors also note the way the standards programme].” For 15 years Cath be sent to schools before the end But while many are delighted with the junior employees debate plays to the politics of fear, and Roger has been involved in Kia Ata Mai of the year. Ma-ori standards, others say it is only a come poorly equipped told EA that parents do need to be reassured, Educational Trust, a foundation Cath and the team are also matter of time before they are conflated to to their tasks, and especially in the current recession. whose prime objectives are to working with the facilitators on measurements, tests and league tables. especially that they The book highlights the conflict between support the development of Ma-ori how best to report the standards The Ma-ori standards will also not apply to lack elementary skills the National-led government’s policies on medium programmes. to parents, using the work they’ve the more than 80 percent of Ma-ori children in the three Rs.” competition and collaboration, and concludes, She says that the education already done to develop reporting who attend mainstream schools. “For Ma-ori This remarkably rather chillingly, “The concept of externally system often focuses on examples that might include kids in mainstream settings, the standards familiar rhetoric mandated standards, later perhaps to be backed underachievement, “which can tables and graphs. give no recognition of the Ma-ori world goes all the way by some form of merit pay for ‘successful’ almost lower expectations”. “We can really celebrate that view or Ma-ori knowledge or Ma-ori ways of back to the late teachers, may well ultimately work against the After developing Nga- we’re in a position to say what learning. Once again Ma-ori knowledge is nineteenth century, cherished goal [higher standards] ever being Whanaketanga, 13 facilitators Nga- Whanaketanga should be excluded,” says Northland principal Keri says Professor Roger achieved.” from around the country (teachers ourselves.” Milne-Ihimaera. n Openshaw, an What is needed, the authors say, is “greater educational historian clarity regarding exactly what the central task of • Join in the National Standards debate at www.handsupforlearning.org.nz and www.nationalstandards.org.nz n c h ris s l ane ustration: at Massey University. the primary school, in particular, is.” i ll

20 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 21 - te reo maori

He also works with each teacher to extend schools’ equity funding. As the funds fluctuate so and improve their reo. He also assists senior do the hours of work for the kaia-rahi i te reo. This staff in the school with the translation of makes them feel less valued and more insecure. documents, such as official reports—“Our There has been a decline in the number of language is so unique and picturesque, I prefer kaia-rahi i te reo employed in recent years, for translating Ma-ori into English, rather than various reasons, including the funding for English into te reo.” schools to afford them; a scarcity of native And it is Kahore’s responsibility to assess the speakers of te reo; and employers have also language of children coming into the kura. commented that the pay rate for kaia-rahi i te reo is low in relation to the value of their skills on Essential the open market. And despite the popularity and Kaia-rahi i te reo can gain a Limited Authority success of Ma-ori television, other broadcasting to Teach, allowing them a limited number of initiatives and wa-nanga which support and teaching hours per year, but only if they are promote te reo, the Ma-ori language is still studying towards becoming a trained teacher. considered by experts to be at risk. This results in a drop in pay because they shift Ministry of Education data shows a recent to a trainee teacher pay-scale, according to kaia- decline in primary and secondary student rahi i te reo advocate Putiputi Temara. engagement in Ma-ori language—from 21.9 Some of the other factors inhibiting kaia-rahi percent in 2003 to 19.7 percent in 2008. In KEY points from entering teacher training are the cost 2006 figures published by Te Puni Kokiri, less - - • Kaia-rahi i te reo (Putiputi has four children); the perception that than a quarter of Maori could hold an everyday were established in many colleges are limited in their teaching and conversation in te reo, with those over 65 most More kaiarahi, - 1986 understanding of te reo and te ao Maori; and likely to be able to do so. Only one sixth of those the time commitment involved. aged under 15 could speak te reo; in total only 4 • It was thought - not fewer! they would fill a Kaiarahi i te reo were first established in the percent of New Zealanders could do so. temporary need education system in 1986 to support students With the current emphasis on schools being - • But te reo is still graduating from kohanga reo to kura. They are self-determining, there is more flexibility in Kaia-rahi i te reo are specialist Ma-ori language experts working in kura and at risk and they are predominantly native speakers. the curriculum. Schools are encouraged to needed more than Kaia-rahi i te reo were initially seen as filling teach a language other than English, but it does primary schools, who have a range of responsibilities, but are often under-valued ever a temporary need, as it was thought that the not have to be te reo. NZEI Te Riu Roa policy, and not recognised. Heeni Collins investigates pool of qualified teachers fluent in te reo however, is to recognize the importance of the would grow, and the need for kaia-rahi i te reo Treaty of Waitangi in education, and to assert a-ori children do better in schools when clarify what their role should be, to raise their with their special expertise, would diminish. that te reo Ma-ori syllabus should be part of the they are strong in their cultural identity profile, and to emphasise the work they do in Thirty eight However, most new teachers are still second- core curriculum—all schools should teach te reo m and language, says NZEI Matua Te Riu strengthening the quality of te reo Ma-ori. percent language learners of te reo, and having the Ma-ori to at least level one. Roa Takawaenga Laures Park. “It is important Kahore is one of the youngest kaia-rahi i te support of native speakers to work with both A request for comment on this policy from that the Government continues to give strong Ma-ori at only 31 years old (there are 63 around of New students and teachers is still considered Associate Minister of Education Pita Sharples support to Ma-ori language initiatives in the country, about half each in Ma-ori-medium essential by many schools. was unsuccessful. However, a poll recently schools. We want to ensure that te reo Ma-ori is and English-medium schools), but he was Zealanders, released by Research New Zealand found here for your mokopuna and mine.” brought up with his grandmother in a Ma-ori- particularly Decline growing support for te reo in schools. Thirty To find out more, I visited Kahore Anania speaking home in Mangakahia, west of Principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Ma-ori o Te eight percent of New Zealanders, particularly (Nga- Puhi, Nga-ti Wha-tua) at Te Kura Kaupapa Whangarei, learning English only when he the young, Rawhitiroa in Whangarei, Meri George, is the young, now think that Ma-ori should be a Ma-ori o Te Ra-whitiroa in Whangarei and this is went to primary school. passionate about the need for kaia-rahi i te reo, compulsory subject. what I heard: “Korero Ma-ori te wa- katoa, kua tae now think even in an immersion context like a kura. “We NZEI Te Riu Roa believes that retaining and mai te pirihimana o te reo!” (Speak Ma-ori, the Responsibilities that Ma-ori would always find someone to be kaia-rahi, valuing the Ma-ori language experts in schools— language policeman has arrived!) Kahore works with both primary and secondary kia whakakaha te reo o nga- kaiako me nga- kaia-rahi i te reo—contributes significantly But the phrase is used with a smile, as Matua students at the school, on a one-to-one or should be a tamariki,” she says. Without a kaia-rahi i te reo, towards this goal. A work programme has been Kahore is well respected. Often the first person small group basis, to improve their spoken and the quality of the language would suffer. established to look at their roles, and determine - - Above: Kahore Anania to meet and greet visitors to the school, and a written Maori language skills. He monitors the compulsory She believes the work of a kaiarahi i te reo is how to support them better. - works with children leading speaker in powhiri, he is sometimes classroom environment and reports regularly subject equivalent to that of teachers and they should We would like to see a reversal in the trend at Te Kura Kaupapa mistaken for the tumuaki/principal. to the board of trustees and iwi on whether each be paid at similar rates. Initially kaia-rahi i te reo for kaia-rahi i te reo to diminish in number—we Ma-ori o Te Ra-whitiroa NZEI Te Riu Roa is currently working class is a Ma-ori-only, bi-lingual or English only were centrally funded, but they are now funded need more, not fewer! Ko te reo Ma-ori te mauri - - in Whangarei with kaiarahi i te reo around the country to language environment. h s: eeni co ll ins p h otograp from the schools’ operations grants, using the o te mana Maori. n

22 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 23 support staff

• Teamwork and culture everyone’s working together.” • Productivity through effective systems and Admin staff also have varied roles, including ‘Our support Support staff count at relationships working with new parents as children transition staff work • Capability for change. from primary to intermediate, and running ‘the Like most of Wainuiomata Intermediate’s front-of-house’. alongside Wainuiomata Intermediate support staff, teacher aide Rebecca Garlick has “They are the people who know how to deal worked at the school for a number of years. “I did with parents—they’re the positive, welcoming teachers to Better use of support staff teacher aide training while I was at home being a side. If they didn’t do their job right, we would lift student in schools is the key to future mum. I thought, Ok, this is what I want to do.” have lots of grumpy parents. It frees us up for She says that support staff must be flexible, teaching,” says Vaia’Uau. achievement school improvements. “We can go from working with individuals, one- Another feature which helps with an Jane Blaikie reports to-one, to working with small groups and small integrated school workforce is that support staff —we couldn’t classes. Every child is totally different, and as have their own dedicated work space. function t’s as clear as Bill English’s budget deficit, a teacher aide, you go in there open-minded “We do have a room,” says Rebecca. “And we that public education will struggle to gain and help wherever or however you can. It can be have our own pigeon holes so we are filled in on without them’ i extra funding in coming years. social skills or numeracy or literacy.” everything that the teachers are filled in on. But NZEI, the Ministry of Education and the “We are appreciated, and it means we go in School Trustees Association believe that gains Good communication and do the work. We may see a child’s name on in student achievement can be made through She emphasises that what makes this work our list, who we’re going work with, but if we schools better integrating support staff into is good communication. “The teachers will see someone else struggling, we’re not going to their day-to-day running. say, ‘This is the planning that we are looking sit back and say, ‘well you’re not on my list’. I’ll A tripartite working group has been at, would it be possible’ … or ‘how would take them as well because they look as though busy—attending conferences, surveying you go doing this?’ You don’t mind because they could do with a bit of a helping hand.” n members, visiting schools, and selecting schools for case studies and further research. aides work in a variety of roles, including with All in it together: Its recommendations will be delivered to the individuals and small groups of students. (l to r) Assistant Secretary for Education later this year. The key to it all, says Pearl, is regular and Principal Vaia’Uau But one school, at least, is already walking timetabled professional development. For Alailefaleula, GET ACTIVE & LEARN the talk: “You can’t underestimate the role example, all school staff—including the Principal Pearl Murti, of our support staff, they do a brilliant job,” principal, admin staff, the caretaker, teachers and administration officer WITH EZI-CART says Pearl Murti, principal of Wainuiomata teacher aides—recently attended a professional Christine Risdon Intermediate School, north-east of Wellington. development day on behaviour management, and support staff “Our support staff work alongside teachers along with other schools in the valley. associate Rebecca to lift student achievement, to ensure that these “Everybody has to be on board with this, Garlick kids are getting a really good deal. We couldn’t so they are part of the PD that we are running function without them.” school-wide.” But it’s not just with behaviour Wainuiomata Intermediate survived a big PD that this happens. When the school has shake-up of schools in the valley 10 years ago, undergone literacy and numeracy initiatives, when 14 schools were merged into eight. The support staff also have relevant PD. decile 4 school has a roll of some 360, of whom around 60 will arrive at school working at below Professional focus their age level. Pearl says that in two years, Associate Principal, Vaia’Uau Alailefaleula, “These kids have got to be functioning at a good schedules regular sessions for support staff to level at high school.” meet. “We get together for celebrations and Some will have English as a second language, practices and whatever—and we provide the PD.” Designed by expert physical educators to assist in curriculum support. some will have high learning needs, and some The tripartite support staff working group Ezi-Cart comes with a set of activity cards. These specifi cally designed games focus on building fundamental skills core to our students growth and development. Make activity will be a few years behind but “can easily be has identified six areas of professional focus fun and increase student participation with Ezi-Cart today. caught up with extra work”. that, when done well, can lead to more effective There’s a dedicated teacher of reading who use of support staff in schools: P 0800 EZICART or 0800 394 227 F 06 952 4645 E [email protected] For more information and downloadable order forms visit www.ezicart.co.nz works with very high needs kids, then a specially • Induction and training Ezi-Cart Limited, PO Box 4646, Palmerston North 4442 trained support staff member who works with • Role definition, guidance, support and the next level of students. “Her role is actually mentoring EZI TO USE • DESIGNED AND MADE IN NEW ZEALAND • OVER 160 ITEMS OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT quite complex,” says Pearl. A further five teacher • Right person/right job specialisation

24 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 25 special promotion technology

Support is available for teachers and students to make decisions about safer school travel

Safety lessons kids like it The Ministry of Education has on the move released a literature review exploring ICT’s impact on Students come up with nifty ideas The thinking behind the website next. They plan action, take action and learning outcomes: e-Learning when they investigate how to travel to is that safe behaviours develop best finally reflect on what they’ve learned. and Implications for New school more safely. when three key areas are all in play: the Education consultant Denise Atkins Zealand schools. It found: They may identify the safest and school curriculum, the school ethos and reviewed the website and says active • Young people find technology most enjoyable routes for walking and organisation, and partnerships with the inquiry learning is in line with the New engaging and motivating cycling or make presentations to the wider community. Zealand Curriculum and makes school • It provides new opportunities school board about passenger safety. Educationalist Lawrie Stewart, who safety policies come alive for students. for collaboration and for The same spirit of inquiry is embedded contributed to the website in the ‘how “It’s awareness-raising, but it is also meeting the needs of learners in a new NZ Transport Agency to use these resources’ area, says the improving the tools young people have and the ways they like to work education website. impact of learning about road safety to make change, including the problem- • It can be a lever for teacher The website pulls together teaching may be greater when backed by these solving and informed decision-making pedagogical change and more The ICT revolution effective learning relationships resources and shows how these elements. skills they need.” contribute to a whole-school approach “A teaching and learning Teachers will find resources on Is this a revolution we should love? Sarah Jones http://www.educationcounts. to influencing children to stay safe on programme on travelling to school passenger, walking, cycling, and rail govt.nz/publications/ our roads. safely is at its best when students safety, including from the Feet First evaluates some common arguments for integrating ict/77614/1 embrace the topic and can see that they initiative. You can share your own technology into our classrooms can help to shape the way it develops. stories of safe school travel too. Even if it’s adults getting together to Jennie Gianotti, Education Manager There’s no shortage of commentators writing savvy, always online, digitally native youth. plan for safe travel decisions, student for the NZ Transport Agency, says the and researching about young people’s Shaped by the Internet like no other generation, contributions are a key aspect of the education site has a wide range of relationship with technology. Educators they have to “power down”, as Marc Prensky participatory process which is why this resources to support initiatives that Above: Children at such as James Paul Gee, Stephen Heppell and puts it, when they enter the classroom. is promoted and encouraged within this schools may already run. Mission Heights Derek Wenmoth promote the benefits - even Prensky, the US author of Teaching Digital area of the website,” says Lawrie. “The content is broad enough for Primary School in the necessity - of young people learning with Natives, even claims that technology has To that end, the website uses an schools to choose elements that suit Auckland help launch technology. changed the way that young people think and “inquiry roundabout” as a model for their community, so promoting safe the new “Tech Cave” The acolytes of technology use a number of process information, although others, like student participation. A class can work habits in children’s minds can lead to section of the Hector’s arguments to justify why ICT should be a part of cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham, say through six inquiry steps, supported by wider outcomes for everyone involved.” World website (www. teaching and learning. Some of these claims are there’s no evidence to support this. In a recent their teacher. The website will also regularly hectorsworld.com), more useful than others. article in American Educator, Willingham First they gather data about an feature competitions for students to which aims to empower argues that technology and multitasking have aspect of safe travel, then develop and encourage them to think about safe Kiwi children aged 2-9 Digital learners not rewired how students learn: “Laboratory select options for what they can do school travel. to teach themselves One of the most common reasons for research indicates that today’s students don’t and their communities technology in schools refers to the needs and think in fundamentally different ways than You can find out more at www.education.nzta.govt.nz about technology. expectations of the new generation of tech- students did a generation ago.” 4

education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 27 LASER & INKJET SAVESAVE technology UP PRINTER TO % CARTRIDGES ‘We are preparing students for jobs that don’t exist, using 21st century learning 88 All of these arguments are valid. We can use ICT to make 00 technologies that haven’t been invented, to solve problems that learning engaging, relevant, varied and accessible. However, CALL ToDAy ToLL fREE Rachel Bolstad and Jane Gilbert say that these arguments haven’t been considered yet’ aren’t enough in themselves. Instead, they focus on how ICT 0508 235 800 helps us develop new kinds of curriculum and pedagogy that and never pay full price again! 4 Whether it’s changing the way their brains different in future. As Richard Riley, Bill respond to and shape our world in the 21st century. work or not, there’s no doubt that today’s Clinton’s Secretary of Education, said of the They outline this idea in Zooming in on Learning in young people are having different experiences education system in 1999: “We are preparing the Digital Age, published by the NZCER in 2006. Bolstad with technology than their predecessors. My students for jobs that don’t exist, using and Gilbert argue that our education system was set up to nephew and niece, for example, use their technologies that haven’t been invented, serve the industrial age, and that the cultural, social and BROTHER INKJET PRICE QTY home laptop most days for researching, to solve problems that haven’t been economic changes that have taken place since then require a * LC47 ALL COLOURS Each 10.99 B_____ C_____ M_____ Y_____ *Special Bundle Price! * LC57 ALL COLOURS Each 10.99 B_____ C_____ M_____ Y_____ LC37, LC38/67, shopping, communicating, listening to music considered yet.” rethinking of the knowledge, skills and values that learners LC37 ALL COLOURS Each 10.99 B_____ C_____ M_____ Y_____ LC47 & LC57 $ or watching tv and movies. need in the 21st century. Consuming knowledge was the * LC38/67 ALL COLOURS Each 10.99 B_____ C_____ M_____ Y_____ for a low price of 39.60!

They tell me that using the computer Super-sized learning goal of schooling in the industrial age, whereas producing CANON INKJET PRICE QTY PRICE QTY makes learning more interesting. I think Other justifications focus on new approaches knowledge needs to be the goal of schooling in the post- BCI 3e BLACK 7.99 ______CLI 8 CYAN SPECIAL 15.00 ______BCI 3 / 6 CYAN 7.99 ______CLI 8 MAGENTA SPECIAL 15.00 ______ICT in the classroom resonates with their to teaching, such as overcoming barriers of industrial ‘knowledge age’. BCI 3 / 6 MAGENTA 7.99 ______CLI 8 YELLOW SPECIAL 15.00 ______out-of-school experiences of living online distance and time and expanding learning They propose a new notion of knowledge as something BCI 3 / 6 YELLOW 7.99 ______CLI 8 PC PHOTO CYAN SPECIAL 15.00 ______BCI 6 BLACK 7.99 ______CLI 8 PM PHOTO MAGENTA SPECIAL 15.00 ______and, for my niece in particular, an interest in beyond the classroom. ICT can provide for you do rather than something you have. Students use their BCI 6 PHOTO CYAN 7.99 ______PGI 520 BLACK SPECIAL 15.00 ______BCI 6 PHOTO MAGENTA 7.99 ______CLI 521 BLACK SPECIAL 15.00 ______technology itself. However, they can count on wider, efficient and flexible learning options knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems, as BCI 24 / BCI 21 BLACK 6.99 ______CLI 521 CYAN SPECIAL 15.00 ______BCI 24 / BCI 21 COLOUR 8.99 ______CLI 521 MAGENTA SPECIAL 15.00 ______one hand the number of times in a term that through access to more information, more opposed to accumulating knowledge for its own sake. New PGI 5 BLACK SPECIAL 15.00 ______CLI 521 YELLOW SPECIAL 15.00 ______they use computers at school. connections, more experiences and so on. technologies, they say, “will be of most educational value CLI 8 BLACK SPECIAL 15.00 ______CLI 521 LIGHT CYANSPECIAL 15.00 ______CLI 521 LIGHT MAGENTA SPECIAL 15.00 ______Examples are using video conferencing when they are implemented as tools for providing learning Economic drivers to teach subjects that aren’t available experiences that support this new orientation to knowledge”. EPSON INKJET PRICE QTY PRICE QTY T028 BLACK 14.99 ______81 N YELLOW SPECIAL 12.99 ______Another popular argument is that the to students in their local schools, and T029 COLOUR 17.99 ______81 N LIGHT CYAN SPECIAL 12.99 ______economy requires workers to be proficient connecting students with other learners in New orientation to knowledge T038 BLACK 14.99 ______81 N LIGHT MAGENTA SPECIAL 12.99 ______T039 COLOUR 17.99 ______T0491 BLACK 11.99 ______with ICT. We need to teach our young people distant locations or with experts out in the The new orientation to knowledge is about not just knowing 73 N BLACK SPECIAL 12.99 ______T0492 CYAN 11.99 ______73 N CYAN SPECIAL 12.99 ______T0493 MAGENTA 11.99 ______the skills to use the tools of the contemporary community. the world but being productive in it. An example is Point 73 N MAGENTA SPECIAL 12.99 ______T0494 YELLOW 11.99 ______workplace to communicate, research, plan, Learning can also be more varied and England Primary School’s book review podcasts, published 73 N YELLOW SPECIAL 12.99 ______T0495 LIGHT CYAN 11.99 ______81 N BLACK SPECIAL 12.99 ______T0496 LIGHT MAGENTA 11.99 ______document, present, report and so on. richer with the use of multimedia. Video, on their blog: http://kpetv.blogspot.com. 81 N CYAN SPECIAL 12.99 ______T050 / T013 BLACK 7.99 ______This argument is about more than being audio and interactive resources can bring a For several years, Point England students have been 81 N MAGENTA SPECIAL 12.99 ______T052 / T014 COLOUR 10.99 ______able to manipulate data in a spreadsheet. It’s topic to life, demonstrate complex concepts producing quality reviews of books and sharing them with HP INKJET PRICE QTY PRICE QTY about preparing learners for potential roles and provide opportunities for students to a worldwide audience. These students are learning the C6615A BLACK (#15) 33.99 ______C6657 COLOUR (#57) 39.99 ______C1823A COLOUR (#23) 39.99 ______C6578A COLOUR (#78) 39.99 ______in an economy that will look significantly explore and experiment. discourse of literary criticism through the act of participating 51645 BLACK (#45) 34.99 ______HP74 HY BLACK SPECIAL 38.99 ______HP21 BLACK 27.50 ______HP75 HY COLOUR SPECIAL 40.50 ______in a real community of literary critics. Their reviews are HP22 COLOUR 32.50 ______HP60XL BLACK 50.50 ______making a real and valued contribution to an international C6656 BLACK (#56) 32.99 ______HP60XL COLOUR 55.55 ______

community of readers. LEXMARK INKJET PRICE QTY PRICE QTY Ideas worth spreading A couple of years ago, students made a video about their 10N0016 BLACK 38.99 ______10N0026 COLOUR 40.99 ______Looking for some inspiration? TED features remarkable thinkers, including many educators, giving short talks podcasting, where they talk about the impact of their work, about big ideas. http://www.ted.com LASER CARTRIDGES – ALL BRANDS AVAILABLE + DRUM UNITS why technology is important to them and what they are BROTHER TN2025 SPECIAL 59.00 ______BROTHER PC402RF TWIN PK SPECIAL 20.50 ______• Sugata Mitra shows how children can teach themselves and each other. learning: http://bit.ly/a3dGL8. Their podcasting project is BROTHER TN2150 SPECIAL 69.00 ______HP 2612A SPECIAL 59.00 ______www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/sugata_mitra_shows_how_kids_teach_themselves.html a brilliant example of learning that affirms the students’ For orders over $60 • Ken Robinson explains how schools kill creativity. interest in technology while expanding their literary horizons FREE DELIVERY ($6 postage & handling for www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html and demonstrating the significance of books, reading and OVERNIGHT orders under $60) • We’ve also got our own Kiwi version. EDtalks features international and local educators talking about learning. communicating ideas. www.edtalks.org The knowledge-age argument for justifying technology ORDER NOW! MAIL • PHONE • FAX • ONLINE • Nicola Yelland explores the use of new technologies in early childhood settings. in classrooms works for me because it shifts the debate Mail - Wholesale Toners NZ LTD, PO Box 39777, EMAIL www.edtalks.org/play.php?vid=140 away from more limited conversations about generational Howick, Auckland. [email protected] • Wharehoka Wano talks about capturing the knowledge of past practices to prepare students for the future. differences, economic drivers and super-sized learning. It Fax - TOLL FREE 0508 235 801 www.edtalks.org/play.php?vid=248 focuses our attention on what we need to do to educate young CALL TOLL FREE • John Hattie questions whether we want to raise literacy and numeracy or engage more students in the people with the knowledge and experiences necessary for 0508 235 800 pursuit of learning. www.edtalks.org/play.php?vid=328 them to be confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong n Check out our huge range of Laser and Inkjet Cartridges Online learners in the 21st century. www.wholesaletoner.co.nz

28 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 29 the professionals the professionals

Dunedin’s one day school Winning kindergarten - - dunedin parents have Faced with uncertainty group of te reo speaking Ka Puananl o Te Reo is a one- fiordland Kindergarten Place, its history and its nature. Teachers are carrying come up with an innovative around the future of Te Kura parents raising tamariki in day per week immersion class has won New Zealand people.” out research on the impact solution to the problem of Kaupapa Ma-ori Ki Otepoti te reo in the home decided to for tamariki from years 1–6. Kindergarten’s President’s For several years of this on the children and finding good quality te reo and realising the lack of create an immediate solution. Prerequisite entry Trophy and Cultural the teachers have used themselves. Ma-ori teaching for their capacity within English- They found a registered requires tamariki to have Award for its inspiring the wider community, “By taking the children out tamariki – a one day school. medium schools, a small teacher who could teach reasonable fluency in te reo. environmental programme. including inviting guests to into nature on a regular basis, quality te reo one day a The class is supported by “Our teachers have always the kindergarten, to help not just walking through it week, alongside a number Otago Resource Teacher of had a deep passion and pride implement this learning. but ‘being in it’, teachers aim of kaia-whina. They then Ma-ori Fiona Matapo. in the unique environment Children also spend time in to give children a lifelong love - - met with principals of The name Ka Puananl was in which we live,” says senior the environment to interact of and passion for the natural English-medium primary gifted from local Ngai Tahu teacher Pam Wilson. with and get to know their environment,” says Pam. and intermediate schools residents who chose it because “This has been reflected unique place in the world. Parents drop their in Dunedin to gain their it represents the name for in our strong environmental Toward the end of last children off at the park, rain, support. Launched on 4 seeds which are dispersed on programme which stems year, teachers began taking hail, snow or sun, at the February 2010 and located at the wind, “akin to the way in from our vision of children a group of older children beginning of the session and For a PowerPoint Dunedin North Intermediate, which we see our students, having knowledge and to Ivon Wilson Park and pick them up again at the presentation of the who having embraced appreciation of To- Ma-tou surrounds (in Te Anau) each end. They have morning tea, programme, visit www. - Left: Fiona Matapo with learning, then move onwards Wahi Ahi Kaa—Our Special Wednesday to experience lunch and lots of adventures. educationaotearoa.org.nz - - tamariki at Ka PuananI and upwards in many o Te Reo directions,” says Fiona.

new product Snip-it ACTIVboard goes mobile • The 10th Early Childhood • Are you eligible for the for teachers and principals. raised by schools. The judge activboardnz has recently launched the almost no shadow. Its industry- About Promethean Convention will be held in Voluntary Bonding Scheme? Contracts currently run by criticised “the procedural all-in-one ActivBoard 387 Pro interactive first, 6,000-hour lamp plus Promethean’s aim Christchurch in April 2011. Find out if you’re eligible for universities, who employ domination of lawyers at whiteboard Mobile System, providing other advanced features is to unlock the potential To the disappointment the money using our easy- the specialist advisors, are the expense of professional educators with powerful new ways of like 3D projection and of human achievement of organisers, and for the to-use diagram at www. to be offered to a ‘wider education input”. teaching in virtually any location. Creston-enabled in education and first time, the Ministry of educationaotearoa.org.nz range’ of organisations. This exciting new addition to Promethean’s Roomview Management training. It is a world leader in the fast-growing, Education is not providing Concerns have been • The Ministry of Education ActivClassroom is the first in a new line of make it both cost-effective modular, upgradable stands designed for the and easy to maintain and control. global market for interactive funding. Keynote speakers • The New Zealand raised about how the has released two new reports education market. It also incorporates a double- learning technology. Association of Optometrists consistency and quality of from the 2006/07 Trends in include Dr Manulani The ActivBoard Mobile System gives sided dry-erase whiteboard offering Developed for teachers, Meyer, Clare Wells, Dame has some interesting the contracted services will International Mathematics educators the option to bring the lesson to extra writing and display space. Other Promethean’s ActivClassroom brings together Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, resources for teachers about be maintained. Needless to and Science Study (TIMSS), the student almost anywhere within the school. optional classroom-friendly accessories include its interactive display systems (ActivBoard), its and Australian and how the eye works. One say, schools have not been which look at maths and It’s ideal for flexible teaching spaces or where a lockable laptop shelf and a storage drawer learner response systems (ActiVote and American academics www. project involves creating an consulted. science teaching and space and room design prohibits the use of large enough to accommodate a full set of ActivExpression), and its suite of specialised eccconvention2011.org.nz ‘boxeye’ that shows how the learning in year 5—www. permanently installed interactive whiteboards. handheld learning response devices. teaching software (ActivInspire). eye ‘sees’—resource at www. • Both a judge and the educationcounts.govt.nz/ The system combines the best of Commenting on the new technology, Promethean Planet (www. • Celebrate World Teachers’ educationaotearoa.org.nz New Zealand Law Society publications/series/2571/ Promethean’s industry-leading, interactive Murray Thoms of ACTIVboardNZ said: “By PrometheanPlanet.com), with 715,000 Day 2010 by entering the or visit www.saveoursight. have said that teachers timss_200607 whiteboard technology – a durable and reliable making the newest ActivBoard range mobile, members, is the world’s largest online New Zealand Teachers co.nz would have been better 87” diagonal ‘widescreen’ ActivBoard, an Promethean are carving a new path for community for users of interactive display advanced extreme short-throw projector and learning. They’ve brought together the best system technology, providing user-generated Council’s ‘Teachers in off joining NZEI than • The school library sector award-winning ActivInspire educational industry-leading technology in an all-in-one and premium content, and is a forum for Action’ photo competition. • Hundreds of university- employing lawyers. They has a new read—SLANZA software. solution to give educators the flexibility to teachers to exchange ideas and experience. magazine, which is available Visit www.teacherscouncil. employed education were commenting on the The heavy-duty lockable wheeled teach the way they want to.” Promethean’s technology is today helping govt.nz/news/ advisors face losing their cases of two teachers who online at www.slanza.org.nz ActivBoard Mobile System is easy to move and For more details contact: Murray Thoms educate over 12 million individuals in over wtd2010photocompetion. jobs as a result of planned were not members and It aims to “contribute to the can be electronically raised or lowered. The Director, ACTIVboardNZ Ltd 100,000 classrooms in some 100 countries. stm Registrations close 20 government changes to who had both employed growth and professionalism integrated extreme short-throw projector does Ph 0800 368 474 October 2010. professional development lawyers to challenge issues of the school library sector”. more than create clear, bright images with [email protected] www.PrometheanWorld.com

30 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 31 reviews Books for grown-ups Best new books for kids An academic investigation of early childhood education is worth the read Magpie Mischief unleash his Undie-Taker-Down her mother and older sister Manu Haututu- weapon on mankind and Charlie, are struggling to save their June Peka & Jo Thapa with help from his friend Josh, is Wairarapa farm from ruin and Child Perspectives and theory and in practice. different theoretical $19 paperback soon on the case. A real winner keep alive his dream that their Children’s Perspectives in To do so they draw on perspectives to analyse Pop’s vegetable garden is for 7-to-10 year olds. crazy racehorse Gypsy will be the Theory and Practice (2010) both Scandinavian and how each interprets and thriving until someone gives him next Phar Lap. An inspirational Dion Sommer, Ingrid international research, represents child perspectives a pet magpie which wreaks havoc Legends of the Cook Islands novel for ages 11 plus. Pramling Samuelsson & constantly questioning the and children’s perspectives on his prize veges. But, being a Shona Hopkins & Bruce Potter Karsten Hundeide process and practices of in research. Their response to stubborn old cuss, Pop refuses $20 paperback Sensational Springer adults in early education, this critique is developmental to cage his pet Pie. For ages 3 to Cook Islanders’ oral history tells Survivors This is an intriguing, concluding that play and pedagogy, or a humanistic, 7 years. of many stories that date back Sandra Morris informative and challenging learning are integrated, interpretive approach to a mythological time known as $30 paperback book that, from the start, but different, experiences to development which The Petrifying Plot of the Avaiki. Hopkins learned them as Did you know kauri opens up new ways to reflect for children and that these has relevance to both the Plummeting Pants a child from her grandmother, snails suck up live on current theory, research, experiences depend on individual child and the (Boy Zero Wannabe Hero #1) and this collection of eight earthworms like pedagogy and practices. context, and on cultural condition of childhood Peter Millett beautifully illustrated legends spaghetti? Or that a A child’s perspective is values. universally “because despite $16 paperback captures the magic. ka-ka-po- weighs as much understood as an ‘outside Imbued with a cultural differences, the Move over Captain Underpants! as a newborn baby? This in’ adult interpretation and commitment to democracy, human child shares the same Charlie Applejack aka Boy Zero, Dreams of Warriors fascinating guide to some children’s perspectives, the children as citizens, and common needs, and for is gutted when he fails to get in Susan Brocker of our remarkable wildlife ‘inside out’ view—“expressed founded on children’s rights, that reason humans have a to Super School to train to be a $20 paperback is jam-packed with in the children’s own words, numerous research-based common basis for reciprocal superhero. However, General Fourteen-year-old Bella’s father strange and unusual facts thoughts and images”. examples of ethical and understanding”. This book Pandemonium is hovering above is away fighting in Europe during in bite-sized chunks. For A wide range of scholarly empathetic caring offer is a worthy read: worth Earth in his spaceship ready to the Second World War and she, ages 6 plus. material is critiqued in practitioners, researchers and persisting with, and worthy true academic style, as the policy makers an insight into of genuine respect. authors aim is to reveal a rich theoretical world. Dr Sarah Te One, the child perspective and The book is courageous. Victoria University of children’s perspectives in The authors question Wellington Re-writing the Famous Five — golly gosh, how peculiar The publishers of Enid archaic as the dialogue. read when they are newly versions are to be Blyton’s Famous Five The Famous Five books confident, and it is the published, but if publishers books have apparently have many faults. They are very faults we find in were genuinely concerned been talking to readers, paternalistic, formulaic, them that ease children about modern sensitivities, and they claim there is packed with stereotypes into literacy. They are why are they keeping the Book giveaways demand for the language and they probably do need predictable, with shortish names Dick and Aunt Win one of three copies of Your 21st Century Career by New Zealand- used to be brought up-to- a glossary, but here is the and manageable chapters Fanny? based career consultant Dr Heather Carpenter. “The book brings together date for modern children. point—children couldn’t and a few line drawings, The Famous Five are world-class research and practical experience to offer valuable insights Tunic will become uniform, care less. For them it is familiar characters and what they are—a product into this critical part of everyone’s life.” You can also visit her website— Mother and Father will be story that wins out every vocabulary, and safe, happy of their time, full of class- www.thecareermaze.com. To win, email your name and address to Mum and Dad, dirty tinker time, and they will forgive endings. They offer comfort ridden stereotypes, old- [email protected] with Your 21st Century Career in the is changed to traveller—all an author a multitude of reading and a real sense of fashioned language and subject line, by November 15. Published by New Holland, $29.99. apparently in the name faults if they can spin them achievement. improbable plots for sure, of making the dialogue a good yarn. At some stage children but utterly harmless, very Win one of three copies of Navigation: A Memoir by Joy Cowley. This is timeless. And here’s another will move on, better nostalgic and a step up the a relaxed and beautifully written memoir from a much-loved children’s No changes will be made truth—as mediocre as readers for the experience, ladder to literacy. n writer. She has written literally hundreds of readers for the international to the stories and that they are from the point and better able to tell good ● John McIntyre market, as well as a small number of fine adult novels. To win, email your seems to me to be rather of view of a well-read writing from bad. The Children’s Bookshop name and address to [email protected] with penguin BOOK strange, given that Enid adult, these are often the This plan smacks of Kilbirnie, Wellington GIVEAWAY in the subject line, by November 15. Published by Penguin, $45. Blyton’s plots are just as first real stories children commercialism. Both [email protected]

32 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa education aotearoa | spring 2010 | 33 opinion Vision undermines ‘trust’ The report that proposes radical changes to initial teacher education is half-baked and makes sweeping and unsubstantiated claims, says NZEI’s Young Members Network (YMN)

we recognise that the nature of a ‘vision’ can most first year teachers are actually on fixed be light on logistics. But we feel it is irresponsible term contracts. of government to release a document—Vision The ‘vision’ also wants to “address the balance for the Teaching Profession—that is both vague between the number of teachers being trained and lacking in detail yet proposes radical and and the number of appropriate placements controversial changes. available. YMN assumes that the working Much in this ‘vision’ is opinion stated as fact, party means that we have too many graduating and many of its claims are not substantiated teachers in New Zealand. Frustratingly, the by research. As well, there has been very little working party does not back up this statement consultation time for the profession to engage with research, and in fact there is data to suggest with this ‘vision’. that, with an aging teaching workforce, more graduates need to be attracted to teaching. These proposals Proposal: initial teacher education Although we do support the idea of further Proposal: reward, recognition could cause teacher education extending into the first and progress teachers to focus two years of teaching, we believe the report’s YMN does not agree with the working party’s less on teaching, proposals are unworkable—for two reasons. opinion that teachers currently are not able to First, there are the realities of workload. A “take ownership for their development and and more on beginning teacher, currently completing an make career choices”. Similarly, we do not proving that education master’s degree, had this to say: support the wild claim that the “attractiveness “On paper it looked manageable, like I could of teaching as a profession” needs to be they’re teaching comfortably complete the master’s part-time improved. There is no research cited in the while teaching full-time. However, in reality, proposal to verify either of these statements. school workload has made it a costly and difficult Professional development, as outlined, is Principals from experience, as teaching requirements often spill supported by YMN. However, if there is to be Wellington to Gisborne into all hours of the day and all days of the week.” increased professional development, we want were surveyed in A second beginning teacher questioned it negotiated and shaped by the sector for the January 2010 about the the role of the tutor teacher, something else sector, not imposed on us by a working party. employment status of not clarified: “Although tutor teachers and YMN does not agree with the working party’s beginning teachers at beginning teachers start out with the best assumption that teachers need incentives to their schools. DQG\RXWKLQN\RXNQRZ intentions, due to the hectic nature of teaching become effective teachers. One of our beginning First year teacher advice and guidance, programmes are never as teachers pointed out: “This proposal would Permanent 37.5% thorough as people would like. The idea that further increase a lack of trust that teachers are Fixed-term 62.5% tutor teachers could also assist first year teachers doing the best for their children—it is a very through their last year of study is unrealistic and low trust model.” Second year teacher adds an unmanageable level of stress to entering Individual rewards will not create an Permanent 71.68% the teaching profession. If this were the case, I environment where teachers share effective Fixed-term 28.32% don’t think I would have gone into teaching.” practice. Beginning teachers are worried that Although the ‘vision’ plans to raise the if principals were in charge of rewarding “attractiveness of the profession”, its proposals ‘teaching excellence’, they would be reluctant would have the opposite effect. to voice their professional opinion if it varied Our second issue is with the assumption that against the principal’s. all primary and early childhood students have We are concerned that these proposals could full-time, permanent employment directly after cause teachers to focus less on teaching, and graduation. As you can see in the box (see left), more on proving that they’re teaching. n

34 | spring 2010 | education aotearoa REAL


 S U P P O RT

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