Teacher training cuts defended by department

Press, 21 June 1984, Page 6

Teacher training cuts defended by department

PA Wellington The Education Department yesterday denied any lack of consultation in its cuts to post-primary teacher-training courses.

The cuts in courses offered at the Christchurch and Auckland secondary colleges were published in this week’s “Education Gazette,” and have angered students and staff at the colleges. However, the department’s assistant secretary of tertiary education, Mr Peter MacPherson, said there had been intensive consultation about the moves with interested groups in 1982 and 1983. “It was decided to rationalise secondary teacher training and this decision was conveyed to the parties concerned including the relevant teachers’ college councils and principals,” he said. “After further submis-

sions by interested organisations and the colleges it was agreed that the implementation of some aspects of the rationalisation should be deferred until 1985.

“The deferral applied to the decision that division C courses in home economics, physical education, commercial and art should be available in one college only. “As a result during 1984 both secondary teachers’ colleges are offering courses in all subjects to division C students with the exception of music offered only at Christchurch and specialist language offered only at Auckland.” Mr MacPherson said the position was being further assessed in consultation with the two colleges concerned. A final decision would be made on secondary training for 1985, and all relevant groups would be informed.