1. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
What is the Government doing to further improve the teaching of mathematics in New Zealand schools?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Education) Link to this
Today I announced that from next year the Government will fund tuition fees for 600 primary teachers per year to allow them to undertake postgraduate study in mathematics. This is the first stage in a scheme that the Government plans to extend to such areas as English, science, social studies, and technology to ensure that teachers have more opportunities to enhance their knowledge and expertise in important subject areas. The new scheme recognises that the most important factor in lifting student achievement is effective teaching backed by strong investment in professional development.
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
The Government will invest around $110 million this year in the professional development of teachers, along with $58 million for projects that are giving teachers the skills to lift numeracy and literacy standards for all students. As a result of this investment, our evaluations are showing major improvements across all of the 1,700 schools involved, with the highest improvement amongst students who were previously the lowest achievers, and a lift in achievement across Māori and Pacifica students.
Hon Bill EnglishHow does the Minister tally that rosy view of schools with the Education Review Office annual report that yesterday told the nation that 30 percent of schools do not have any meaningful or useful information about the achievement or the progress of their students; and will he take any action on the back of that startling piece of information?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
As the member will know, the Education Review Office is a Government agency, paid for by the taxpayer, and, of course, we take all of its reports seriously .
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
How do New Zealand students currently fare in international studies on mathematics achievement, and does the Minister believe that the announced investment will increase our relative rankings?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
That is an excellent question. Our results show that in fact we are amongst the best in numeracy and mathematics. In the study of trends in international maths and science, or the IMSS study as it is known, conducted in 2002-03, New Zealand was one of only six countries to report a significant improvement in mathematical achievements between 1994 and 2002. New Zealand’s year 9 mean performance in mathematics was significantly higher than the international means for 46 countries participating at that educational level. Increases in maths achievements between 1994 and 2002 were particularly notable for Māori and Pasifika boys.
What gains to the New Zealand population would there be if everyone reached a high standard of basic numeracy?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
It would, for example, allow the leader of an organisation that contracted for services with a broadcaster to understand that the organisation has to pay GST. If the GST added up to $115,000, and if there were a fine of $100,000 attached to it, that leader would know that the organisation had to pay back $215,000.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
With respect to the comment the Minister just made, has he received any reports as to the wisdom of attending a reception being put on by Minister Dunne, titled “Twenty Years of GST: The Best Path Forward”—one of the architects of GST being the leader of the National Party, and the reception being one he could possibly attend and explain why he has not paid GST back?
Madam SPEAKERRt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. With respect, the original question was on the issue of mathematics, as was the secondary question. But the point at issue was the use of mathematics when it relates to things such as taxation. Right then it was on the floor, and I am begging your indulgence, Madam Speaker, because a very, very important occasion is coming up there, with a celebration of 20 years of GST. You will remember that it had to be “good for you”, which was the Labour slogan, but my real issue is that if it has to be “good for you”, then it has to be paid.
I thank the member, but I have ruled on the matter. The member’s question was far too wide of the original question.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Well, Madam Speaker, you should not presume that that is the object of the point of order. I want to seek the House’s leave, including your own, to table this invitation, with particular reference to some members who should be there.