Accrediting For University Entrance

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 17, 21 January 1941, Page 4

Accrediting For University Entrance

Amended Scheme Adopted by Senate FOUR MEMBERS VOTF. AGAINST IT Fer Pres. Association. AUCKLAND, Jan. 20. A system of accrediting based on and differing generally very little from that formerly put forward by the University was adopted by the Senate of the University of New Zealand. Four mem bam lof the .Senate voted against the proposal. I The matter was referred to the executive committee of the Senate to approach the Minister of Finance (Hon. W. Nash) with regard to the finance involved. It was pointed out that the system would not immediately come into force, but it was hoped to ha\e draft legislation before the Senate at its next annual meeting. The main pointß of the proposal aro that entrance to the University may be by way of accrediting by approved schools after at least four years of satisfactory post-primary education. No school w'ill be placed on the list without the consent of the governing body and an entrance examination will be held for those who have not been accredited and who attain the age of 16 years not later than December 31 of the year in which the examination is taken. At the basis of the accrediting thero is to be a suitable cumulative school record card and provision is made for tho appointment; of at least one liaison, officer by each university college to report on and advise on accrediting us it affects both the university and the schools. The scheme will not be brought into operation until all these conditions have been fulfilled. Further recommendations attached to the scheme are the provision as carjy as possible of further specialised training for post-primary teachers and of grants for students intending to proceed to this work. Where conditions

are favourable it is considered desirable for co-operation on an honorary bans between post-primary and university teachers, while stress is laid on the need for strengthening the inspectorate of post-primary schools by the appointment of additional specialists. It was stated in the committee report on the proposal that advice that accrediting would be accepted for candidates taking courses for professional qualifications had been received from the Institute of Architects, the Society of Accountants, the Engineers’ Registration Board and the Dental Council of New Zealand. The Medical Council of New' Zealand, however, was opposed to accrediting, while no reply hud vet been received from theh General Medical Council.

The Minister of Education had been advised of the estimated costs to the university of the introduction of the scheme and had replied that he waa having the question investigated. “1 realise that the matriculation te«t has its weaknesses,” said the Chancellor, “but I have not yet been able U find a scheme that is free from weaknesses as a substitute. When you have accepted a school for accrediting you will find it very difficult indeed to remove it from the list. As to finance, I take it that it will involve an increased expenditure of about £6OOO to £7OOO. I do not know that the Minister of Finance would undertake to provide this increase.” “I can definitely tell the Bennie,’* said Dr. Bceby, Director of Education, “that it would not bo waiting its time in considering this scheme even before getting the support of the Minister of Finance. I know he is sympathetic to accrediting, but whether he and his colleagues are willing to pay £6OOO, of course, I cannot say.” In outlining his reasons for supporting the scheme, Dr. Beeby referred to the effect of matriculation in limiting the curriculum of post-primary schools. Sixty-live per cent, of the children attending secondary schools took this course and many could not hope to carry it on to higher education. Doubt was expressed by Dr. Beeby of the adequacy of the university entrance examination for the selection which its name implied.