Call for more teacher aides, smaller classes
An independent review of primary school staffing has recommended smaller classes, more teacher aides and investing in Ma¯ori medium education, describing the current model as ‘‘broken’’.
Led by former education minister Steve Maharey, the Pu¯ aotanga review was called for by NZEI Te Riu Roa, and heard from more than 2650 educators in written submissions, hearings, hui and talanoa.
The final recommendations, launched at Parliament yesterday, were born out of ‘‘story after story’’ of teachers frustrated in the system they work in.
One submitter, who once had a class of 32 year 2s, seven with learning support needs, described the current model as broken.
The review panel called for a teacher aide in every school, at a ratio of 1:24 by 2030. That was met with a cheer from assembled educators.
Additional teacher aides were recommended to support students with high needs, as was funding a special education needs coordinator in every school.
The review called for smaller classrooms, suggesting incrementally lowering the teacher-tostudent ratio so by 2030, years 4-8 would have one teacher per 23 students.
The review also heard that the education system was racist and failing tamariki Ma¯ ori.
‘‘The system of education in 1840 was put in place to colonise us. We haven’t had a Ma¯ ori experience
until the 80s. The system was not built for us. It was set out to destroy us. The system did its job,’’ one submitter said.
The review suggested grants, scholarships and low-interest loans to attract teachers planning on working in Ma¯ ori immersion education, increasing the Ma¯ ori immersion teaching allowance, and ensuring all teachers had access to te reo Ma¯ ori professional learning development.
It also recommended extending the immersion teaching allowance to those working in Pacific settings.
Berhampore Primary School Principal Mark Potter (Te A¯ ti Awa), said having an entitlement for teacher aides would make a difference to his school. He heard people argue that the cost was too
high, but people.
‘‘By deciding not to fund it, you are actually deciding to allow people to fall out of society, to struggle in life, to suffer.’’
In total the review made 36 recommendations.
NZEI Te Riu Roa president Liam Rutherford said tinkering around the edges of primary education was no longer enough, the sector needed an overhaul.
‘‘The reality is changes in staffing haven’t kept up with the way that society has changed.’’
The report will be used to inform collective contract negotiations.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins said he would have to take time to work through the report.
for him, it was about