Mixed reaction to education update
The Education Act has undergone its most comprehensive changes in almost 30 years with the passing of the Education (Update) Amendment Act 2017.
Many of the changes which come into law on May 19 do not have the support of education advocates and reaction from parents and caregivers are mixed.
Schools will introduce a ‘‘cohort entry policy’’ for new entrants to start in a group at the beginning of each term. This means a child could start while still fouryears-old. It is one of many controversial changes the new legislation allows and has gained much of the public focus.
NZEI Te Riu Roa, the teachers union, does not support the introduction of cohort entry, saying there is no evidence this would improve the school transition experience for children. Northland Principals’ Association president Pat Newman agrees saying, he ‘‘hates the concept of children starting at the start of the term and not on their birthday’’ saying they will lose their traditional right of passage.’’
He says an influx of new entrants all starting on the same day could leave the pupils overwhelmed, insecure and lost in the school environment. ’’I believe schools are here to fit the needs of children and not the other way around.’’
Feedback on social media shows the public have divided views on the new policy with some opting for the status quo, others wanting some amendments, others preferring the option to start early. However all agree, children are all different and while some are well ready to start at four, others are not.
NZEI president Lynda Stuart says the legislation change which allows online schools will have a serious impact on children.
‘‘There is a great risk children who are considered ‘too hard’ for schools to manage are going to be herded into online schools, where they will be at even greater risk of isolation and failure. Parents are extremely worried online schools will be used to justify the closure of small rural schools.
‘‘This legislation has nothing to do with what is best for children. The input of educators, parents and children were completely ignored in the race for political expediency,’’ she says.