8. Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
Will she support a law change to ensure that school-level test data is not made available for publication; if not, why not?
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) Link to this
I do not intend to express my support, or lack of it, for hypothetical legislation. I note that the member asked a very similar question over a month ago, on 27 May, and I told him that I would consider something if he put it in front of me. I have yet to receive anything.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Will the Minister be prepared to support the reference to a select committee for the select committee to decide whether to do it?
I repeat: this is hypothetical legislation. It is not before a select committee and is not before this House. It is impossible to give that member any answers unless he actually fronts up to me with a suggestion.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Does the Minister support the principle expressed in my primary question?
I remind the member that we are currently seeking feedback from both the education sector and parents on national standards. Part of that feedback is about the reporting mechanisms. I will consider all the options that are put before me, all of the information that comes out of that consultation process.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. It was a very direct question about whether she supported the principle, not about whether there was consultation. Although I cannot insist on a yes or no answer, and I understand that, I think that at least having the question addressed would be useful.
Mr SPEAKERI think the member makes a fair point. His question was very directly related to the primary question. If the Minister would please answer it, as far as she can.
Colin KingWhat reports has the Minister received on parents’ desire for clear information on their children’s performance?
The reports I have received from the consultation with parents is that they are embracing the standards, and are excited about getting clear information about their children’s performance. I have spoken to, and heard from, a large number of frustrated parents who feel that currently they have not been given a clear idea of their children’s progress, and that this lack of clarity is a barrier to their getting involved in their children’s education. I am very proud of the fact that this policy will break down that barrier and give parents the information they should have about their children.
Rahui KateneIs the Minister aware that education inspectors are bringing in tougher standards for England’s schools, including a new emphasis on raw exam results, a move that teachers’ leaders are saying will make things harder for schools in deprived areas; and what influence have these developments had in the New Zealand setting?
I say to the member that comparisons with the United Kingdom are not particularly helpful, because we deliberately decided not to proceed with a national testing system. In fact, I can say to the member that the draft standards currently out for consultation do not rely solely on raw exam results. Instead, they encourage the use of formative assessment.
David GarrettCan the Minister see anything wrong in principle with parents knowing how their children’s school is performing compared with other schools in the country?
I can say to the member that if the feedback that I receive from the consultation with both the sector and parents is that they overwhelmingly want this information, then I am happy to consider how these comparisons could be made without compromising the intention of national standards, which is to raise student achievement.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I seek leave to table a draft bill to implement the principles outlined in my question. I indicate that I will seek leave tomorrow to have that draft bill—or something very similar, following feedback—referred to the select committee for consideration.