EDUCATION SYSTEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21414, 11 February 1933, Page 13

EDUCATION SYSTEM

VAKIETY OF AMENDMENTS ENROLLING CHILDREN THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS [by telegraph—special reporter] "WELLINGTON. Friday Permission for children to be enrolled at the beginning of the school term during which they will reach the age of six years is contained in the Education Amendment Bill, which was introduced and read a first time in the House of Representatives to-day. Enrolment of such children may be made during the first four weeks of the term in which they reach the minimum permissive age of entry. Another clause provides that transfers of teachers may be made in future from one education district to another, and the Director of Education will, from time to time, notify all boards throughout the country of the names and qualifications of teachers who are eligible for transfer. Transfers may be made where a teacher is receiving a salary higher than that of the grade of salary pertaining to the position occupied by him, where a teacher through no fault of his own, has lost his position, or where he has suffered a reduction in salary. Insisting on Transfers Boards may also insist on transfers, if it is considered that they are warranted, to effect the efficient conduct of a school. Teachers retain the right to apply for transfers. In making an appointment by transfer or otherwise, a board, on the recommendation of a senior inspector, may give preference to a teacher who appears best-fitted for the position among those applicants who have served for not less than two years in remote districts, or in schools with an average attendance of 120. A board may refuse to appoint a female married teacher, except in the case of one who has completed her training college course but not her term of service required by the regulations. If at any time the grade of salary attached to a position is raised, the teacher occupying that position shall not be entitled to claim a rise in salary unless the board and the senior inspector decide that he shall be retained in the position. Should the board and senior inspector fail to agree, the question shall be referred to the Minister for final decision. Teachers Refusing Positions If a teacher applies for a position and subsequently refuses it when it is offered to him, he shall not be eligible for appointment to another position as a teacher in the service of any board for a year, unless the Director considers he had a valid reason for declining the offer. The establishment of intermediate schools to replace the junior high schools is provided for, and the regulations governing administration are altered slightly so that they shall fit in with the education system as a whole. The Minister may either establish an intermediate school, whose function shall be much the same as the old junior high schools, or an intermediate department of a secondary school, technical school, combined school or district high school. These intermediate schools or departments may be placed under the control of education boards or a body controlling the school in which a separate department is establishd. The Kowhai Junior High School, Auckland, will become an intermediate school and all other junior high schools will become intermediate departments of the schools to which they are atttached. Minister and Colleges Another clause provides for the payment of expenses incurred by managers of technical schools in attending board meetings or otherwise attending to the business of the board. This places these board members on the same footing as members of secondary school boards. Power is given to the Minister to establish teachers' training colleges to provide for the better education and training of teachers, and he may also disestablish training colleges. Where a college is disestablished, the land, buildings and equipment shall be vested in the Crown and they may be used for educational or other purposes as stipulated by Order-in-Council. The parent of any child who, after special examination, is deemed by the Director to require tuition in classes for subnormal children, may be compelled to enrol the child in these classes. Where the accommodation available at any secondary school, technical school or combined school is not sufficient for all children qualified for free places and applying for admission, the Minister may direct the governing body to restrict the admission of pupils. No pupil wll be excluded, however, unless {here is adequate and reasonably convenient accommodation at another school.

OFFENCES BY TEACHERS

DISMISSAL OR SUSPENSION FINES IN SOME CASES [BY TELEGRAPH —SPEC! Ali REPORTER] "WELLINGTON, Friday Strict discipline of school teachers by education boards and school committees is provided for under the Education Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives to-day. Education boards, governing bodies of secondary, technical and intermediate schools and public schools committees are empowered to suspend any teacher who has been guilty of neglect of duty or of wilful disobedience to any lawful command given in relation to his duties, and peremptorarily to dismiss any teacher for immoral conduct or gross misbehaviour. Except with the consent of the Minister, no teacher shall be entitlM to receive his salary during the period of suspension, nor receive any salary for the period subsequent to his dismissal. Notice of every suspension tor dismissal, with a full report of the circumstances, shall be given to the Minister of Education immediately by the governing body concerned. 4 Where, after inquiry, any governing body is satisfied with the guilt of a teacher charged with any offence not involving immoral conduct, or gross misbehaviour, it may, with the consent of the Minister, impose a fine not exceeding £5 and may deduct the amount of the fine from the teacher's salary. Teachers suspended or dismissed have the right of appeal to the Minister. Mr. J. A. Lee (Labour— Grey Lynn) asked whether the clause relating to misconduct meant that teachers would not be allowed to express opinions concerning legislative proposals of any Government. The Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, 6aid the object of the clause was to give boards power to deal with teachers who absented themselves from duty. At present there was power to dismiss, but not to suspend teachers, and, as the former penalty might be unduly _ severe, power was given for the suspension of teachers who offended in the directions indicated.