9. COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) Link to this
to the Minister Responsible for the Education Review Office
Has she made any changes to the way that the Education Review Office will review schools?
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister responsible for the Education Review Office) Link to this
Yes. I have asked the Education Review Office to identify schools that are performing consistently well, and from 1 March this year these schools will now be reviewed every 4 to 5 years. These schools will have shown that they are capable of reviewing their own performance and processes and that they are able to use this information for the benefit of their students. This Government is proud to recognise that there are many high-performing schools in the education sector that should be able to get on with the business of providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences for their pupils.
Aaron GilmoreI have seen a report from the New Zealand Educational Institute lauding the move and applauding the Government for “creating a high trust model which will be welcomed by those schools and they will appreciate the show of confidence.” I have also seen a typically confused report from the Labour spokesperson on education, Chris Carter. In one line of his release he states that the policy may have some merit, but in the next he refuses to support this high-trust model. The question for Opposition members is very simple: do they support a review system that lets our best schools get on with the job of teaching?
Hon Chris CarterWill the Minister assure the House that extending the review periods for some schools will not affect the Education Review Office’s staffing numbers and resources, given her recent commitment to enhancing support for struggling schools?