12. TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
Has she seen reports that secondary school teachers and principals say that some classes can get as large as 40, and what is the best-practice advice about the relationship of class size to learning outcomes?
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) Link to this
I have seen some reports from the secondary teachers union along those lines. However, the Ministry of Education advises me that no secondary school has contacted it with concerns about classroom overcrowding. Research shows that effective teaching has the biggest single impact on student achievement, regardless of class size.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Does she agree with a paper presented to the School Staffing Review Group by the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers Association in June 2000 that there is strong evidence that small classes assist with the academic success of students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and what has changed a decade on to suggest that small classes are no longer a priority?
Actually, the evidence is very clear that effective teaching is the most important factor in student achievement. Research by Auckland University’s Professor John Hattie has shown that in comparison with other changes that can be made to improve student outcomes and achievement, class size has a considerably small effect.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Does she support the goals of Ka Hikitia—Managing for Success, specifically to increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning for Māori students in years 9 and 10, and how does a class size of 40 enable that goal to be achieved?
Absolutely, I support the goals of Ka Hikitia. We must do much better for our Māori students. But, as I said to the member in the primary question, I have no evidence before me about overly large classes in secondary schools. This Government is investing, with the support of the Māori Party, in Te Kotahitanga to increase the effectiveness of teaching in secondary schools. The introduction of national standards will ensure that students arrive at secondary school with good literacy and numeracy skills, which we know they need in order to remain engaged at secondary school.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Is she prepared to approach the Minister of Finance for additional funding in order to settle this teacher pay and conditions dispute; if not, why not?