A new online tool has been launched that allows schools to compare benefits of the Government's controversial $359 million investing in Educational Success plan.
The tool can be used by principals, teachers, school boards and parents to compare the impact of the Government's initiatives with other options such as more resourcing for teacher aides and smaller class sizes. In September, 132 Wanganui primary education staff voted that they have confidence in the plan while 850 voted that they have no confidence, and the plan was rejected by 93 per cent of staff nationwide.
Wanganui NZEI representative Graeme Whitworth says the new online calculator allows any school to compare what it might get from the Government's proposed Investing in Educational Success policy compared to what else it could get with the equivalent resourcing.
"There was a lack of consultation with the sector when the policy was put together - it is a broad structure policy that is very short on detail."
NZEI Te Riu Roa National President Judith Nowotarski said the IES policy proposes to give big bonuses to some teachers and principals and takes them out of schools for up to two days a week.