Probationary Teachers Immature

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30219, 26 August 1963, Page 12

Probationary Teachers Immature

(N.Z Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, August 25. Probationary teachers in New Zealand tvere not mature enough to teach educational and moral values, said Mr A. I. Charles, a member of the Educational Institute, yesterday. He was addressing delegates at the annual parentteacher movement conference at Massey University College of Manawatu. The average probationary teacher was only 19 years old, he said. In Britain no teachers were under 21$. More Spending A greater proportion of the national income should be spent on education, according to a Wairarapa federation remit, which was passed. The federation said if schools were to obtain the improvements recommended by the Commission on Education it was obvious more money was needed for education. The whole country bene-

filed from a higher education level, and all essential items in education should come from nationally-sub-scribed community funds. The responsibility should not rest with parents or teachers to supply money. Remote Schools The movement will ask the Minister of Education (Mr Tennent) to investigate the possibility of making service in remote schools more attractive to teachers. The remit, proposed by the South Auckland federation, was carried. The federation said incentive bonuses to teachers with long service in remote areas could be considered. The position of infant teachers could also be made more attractive. This could be achieved by the Government incorporating pre-school service within the activities of the school. This move would enable a child, especially a Maori, to adjust to school environment. Equipment Costs Basic equipment costs in public schools should be paid out of taxation. said a remit from the Manawatu federation. The remit was carried.

Nearly all the items on the subsidy list were essential for the smooth and efficient running of a school yet money for them must be provided in part by the parents and teachers, said the federation. Schools had adopted two main ways of raising this money—by organising gala days and by levy. Both methods were open to serious criticism. They entailed a great deal of school time. Teachers knew already there w~as insufficient time to do all that was needed to be done, but they accepted the time loss and the upset to their organisation because they felt it was a necessary evil whereas it was not necessary. The subsidy system applied mainly to primary schools. The only two items parents of secondary school pupils were asked to raise money for were swimming baths and gymnasiums. Examination Results School Certificate examination results should be available earlier, preferably before the end of the year, said a remit from the Southland federation. The federation said the result lag presented difficulties for examination pupils. Many

were not sure if they passed or not until nearly the end of the summer vacation. It appeared arrangements to have the results computed mechanically had not been as successful as expected. The remit w r as carried. Family Responsibility Children between 12 and 15 years are old enough to study parental responsibility, according to the conference which approved such study in principle. The movement felt social studies courses in forms three and four should include study of family and group relationships and behaviour patterns. Approval is based on the production of a book to clarify subject matter for study. This book will be presented to the movement’s national executive for consideration and discussion with the Education Department.

Head Injuries. James Fraser Mitchell, of 3 Wainui street. Nelson, suffered head injuries when a car struck a culvert at the corner of Fendalton road and Heathfield avenue about 6.30 p.m. on Saturday. He was treated at the Christchurch Hospital