Maoris closing gap in education

Press, 20 August 1984, Page 28

Maoris closing gap in education

PA Wellington The gap between Maori and pakeha performance in education is closing, but not quickly enough for many Maori children, according to the Director-General of Education, Mr Bill Renwick. Differences between the achievements of Maori and non-Maori pupils were , still considerable, said Mr Renwick, in the Education Department’s annual report tabled in Parliament. Thousands of Maori boys and girls had been encouraged to stay at school longer to improve their educational qualifications and, in increasing numbers, to go on to further study at a technical institute, teachers’ college, or university. Many were now themselves parents and better able to guide their own children in the ways of the education system .than any E' ius generation of parents. “The best Maori students

are of outstanding quality. The number of highly qualified seventh-formers applying for the Ngarimu scholarship increases each year,” said Mr Renwick. “The number 'of applicants and the number of students who are successfully completing university or • technical institute courses are both increasing.” Maori students were completing degrees in all faculties from arts to medicine. More Maori students now leave school from senior forms. In 1982, 77 per cent of the Maori leavers were from Forms 5, 6 or 7, compared with 42 per cent in 1968, the report said. Of 1982 school-leavers, 23.7 per cent had passed at least three School Certificate subjects, compared with 11.5 per cent in 1968. In 1982, 18.4 per cent left with Sixth Form Certificate or higher qualification compared with 7.2 per. cent in 1968, and 8.2 per cent left

with University Entrance or a higher qualification compared with 2.6 per cent in 1968. . “The gap between Maori and pakeha is closing. But it is taking longer to close than was expected 20 years ago,” Mt Renwick said. In, 1968, 38 non-Maori pupils left secondary school with Sixth Form Certificate or a higher qualification for every ■ Maori student. In 1982, . the comparable figure was 15 non-Maori for every Maori student. “On a pro rata population basis the ratio should be between seven and eight to one. “That is the disparity that fuels the criticisms that many Maoris make of the school system,” he said. “They are unimpressed by the fact that the position is better now than it was 15 or 20 years ago. “Maori children are disproportionately among the failures, and they want that changed,” said Mr Renwick.” j ■