National standards: Readers respond

Photo / Greg Bowker

This week the Herald revealed more than 200 schools were refusing to introduce part of the Government's mandatory national standards next year after voting "no confidence" in the system.

Boards of trustees of at least 225 schools - out of a national total of 2018 - say it is time to take action against the standards, which they say are "flawed, confusing and unworkable" and need to be completely reviewed.

We asked readers whether they had confidence in national standards and sparked fierce debate.

Ianmac said "225 BOTs represent a huge number of other schools who also know that Nat Stds are flawed. Apart from threats, so far there has been no significant evidence to support NS from anyone. It is sad that National are using our kids for political purposes."

But Logical said measurements and standards were necessary as "the taxpayer deserves to know he/she is getting value for money and that steps are being taken to improve where there are deficiencies."

David T agreed: "It is unacceptable that schools think they can opt out. All great organisations have standards and measures in place and a drive for constant improvement, these people need to get into the real world."

Deal to Crims also supported the standards. "This government is trying to get back to basics and re-engineer the education so that students actually come out with some skills that mean something in the modern world."

Fuzzieduckie asked "Why should we doubt the new standards? We haven't even seen any results yet because these whinging teachers and their Principals won't put them in place. I find it disgusting that these "rebels" think that they can pick and choose what aspects of their job they'll do."

Kathy of Te Atatu thought national standards were being boycotted because "teachers just don't like to be accountable for their works. God knows some of them have very shocking quality and hide behind the controversy so they don't have to put in the work."

But Barnaby asked: "What would a government know about educating children! Good on these schools that want to maintain their independence. We don't need a national standard. Just let all the schools set their own standards as they see fit, to suit their local conditions."

Evanj said: "I see a risk that with increasing numbers of students labelled as 'failures' that the underachieving percentage will increase, not decrease."

Pukekohe Teacher supported the concept of national standards but said "the issue is that yet again the government has created a concept which they have been told by education professionals (not just those who will teach the children) is flawed and will not produce the results that they want. They pushed and pushed to get in introduced too quickly, without appropriate trials."

Barbara agreed: "Schools are not against standards and indeed already use reliable and normed standards to measure student progress and inform students and their parents. Schools are against the new National Standards that have been introduced without true consultation with the education sector. These standards are flawed."

Peter said: "I have no confidence in the research, design and implementation of National Standards... [it] has been implemented purely for ideological reasons with no substantive research to support its implementation or determine whether the outcomes are even achievable."

- NZ Herald staff