1. Dr ASHRAF CHOUDHARY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
How is the Government supporting innovation in New Zealand schools?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Education) Link to this
Today I am announcing that the Government will invest a further $600,000 to trial a further three innovative, new programmes in schools. One project on the Coromandel involves videoconferencing, to share teachers and lessons amongst 10 remote schools, another in Nelson looks at disparities in achievement between boys and girls, and a third in Christchurch will work to reduce underachievement and truancy rates. Through its investment in innovation in schools, the Government is providing support to those schools that have new ideas that may help them to respond to specific needs in specific areas.
Dr Ashraf Choudhary Link to this
What is the Government doing to support innovation in schools through the use of information and communications technology?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
The Government has invested more than $300 million in the last 5 years to transform schools into places where information and communications technology is at the heart of the learning. This year alone, schools will receive $50 million specifically for information and communications technology, over and above the $22 million provided as part of their operational grants. Every school in the country now has access to broadband, 33,000 teachers have new laptops, more than 600 schools are involved in information and communications technology clusters, and all schools now have access to free software, anti-virus material, and free web-based resources.
Dr Ashraf Choudhary Link to this
What innovative programme does the Government support to reduce underachievement?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
The Government funds two high-profile communications campaigns involving TV, radio, and print media. Those are Team-Up and Te Mana. The Team-Up campaign is fronted by none other than All Black Captain Tana Umaga, and is about motivating parents to take on new ideas and ways that they can support children’s learning. Along with the advertising campaign, a website, an 0800 number, and classroom activity resources have been developed. The response to that programme and to Te Mana has been nothing short of fantastic.
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
Is the Minister aware of the level of concern amongst schools at the additional compliance costs being generated by the raft of contestable funds, such as the innovation funding, introduced by this Government; if so, will that matter be addressed in the forthcoming review of schools’ operational funding?