What's been did and what's been hid

Tu Tangata, Issue 26, 1 October 1985, Page 51

What's been did and what's been hid

The Minister of Education has launched a public discussion of learning in schools.

“This is a new style of consultation,” said Mr Marshall. “It is historic in education because it gives New Zealanders the opportunity to have their say before the committees write their draft reports. Every possible effort is being made to reach all sections of the community.”

During the period from now until the end of January 1986, all New Zealanders will have the opportunity to have their say about the curriculum and assessment in schools.

“I hope,” said Mr Marshall, “that all New Zealanders: students, parents, and everyone else, will take part in this discussion.

“The two committees which I set up last year: the Committee to Review the Curriculum for Schools, and the Committee of Inquiry into Curriculum, Assessment and Qualifications in Forms 5-7, want to know what New Zealanders believe should be the curriculum for primary and secondary schools and the forms of assessment and qualifications available for New Zealand students in the future."

The committees have posted seven key questions about the curriculum and assessment, and they seek the response of New Zealanders before drafting their reports.

The seven key questions are: What do you expect of our schools? What should young people learn and experience in schools? How should schools reflect the many cultures in New Zealand? How should all people be given a fair chance in our schools? How should people in schools and the community work together? How should schools be organised to help people learn? How should students’ progress and achievement be evaluated? (Assessment and awards in the senior secondary school). “Everyone has a valuable contribution to make to this review and I urge all New Zealanders to use this opportunity to have their say,” said Mr Marshall.

Committee to Review the Curriculum for Schools

Peter Brice, Chairman, Department of Education Rory O’Connor, Department of Education Margaret Feist, Department of Education Wiremu Kaa, Department of Education Peter Allen, New Zealand Post Primary Teachers’ Association Greta Firth, New Zealand Post Primary Teachers’ Association Maiki Marks, New Zealand Post Primary Teachers’ Association lan McKinnon, Association of Heads of Independent and Integrated Secondary Schools Ruth Mansell, New Zealand Educational Institute Joan Paske, New Zealand Educational Institute Peter Singh, New Zealand Educational Institute Merle O'Donnell, Association of Heads of Independent Primary Schools and the Independent Schools’ Assistant Teachers' Association Lyn Blunt, Secondary School Boards’ Association Bill Robertson, Education Boards' Association Pat Heremaia, New Zealand Maori Council Maureen Manford, New Zealand School Committees’ Federation Te Hemara Maipi, National Youth Council Marie Bell, Appointed by Minister of Education Mary Ann Meha, Maori Women’s Welfare League Margaret Rosemergy, Early Childhood Care and Education Groups

Committee of Inquiry into Curriculum, Assessment and Qualifications in Forms 5 to 7

Jim Ross, Chairman, Department of Education David Hall, University Grants Committee Nicholas Tarling, Universities Entrance Board Arch Gilchrist, Department of Education Colin Knight, Department of Education Shona Hearn, Post Primary Teachers’ Association (two of) Tony Steele, Post Primary Teachers’ Association (two of) Gavin Muckle, Post Primary Teachers' Association (two of) Gerry Barnard, Secondary School Boards’ Association John Taylor, Independent Schools’ Association, Association of Heads of Independent and Integrated Secondary Schools, Independent Schools’ Assistant Teachers’ Association Graham Kelly, Federation of Labour Stan Duncan, Employers Federation Jessica Wilson, National Youth Council Ros Heinz, Appointed by Minister of Education Hiwi Tauroa, Appointed by Minister of Education Jean Herbison, Appointed by Minister of Education