National Standards to benefit children and parents
National Standards in our primary and secondary schools roll out this year and it’s a very important policy.
A newspaper poll last weekend found that 73% of parents support this move and just 14% are opposed. We need these standards because New Zealand has a big problem with too many young people falling through the cracks. Most kids do well, but we know that 20% leave school without basic literacy and numeracy skills.
This has a major impact on our society and economy. Last week I wrote how important it is we have good jobs available in Horowhenua and Kapiti, but if kids can’t read and write to a basic level they’ll struggle in the modern economy.
This failure has a social impact too, with crime being traced back to kids failing at school.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark railed against poor literacy and numeracy standards before she came into power in 1999, but judging by the Labour Government’s poor performance in the education sector, nothing has changed. One in five kids are still failing to meet these basic standards. The National-led Government is not prepared to sit back and let this level of failure continue.
Basically, these Standards are signposts which describe what Year 1 to 8 children should be able to achieve and by when. Teachers will assess, monitor and report on each child’s progress.
Schools will report to parents and families twice a year in plain English. Each Plunket-style report card will show a child’s goals, progress, and achievement in relation to the Standards. Parents will be getting accurate information about their child that they deserve.
We’re investing $26 million to train and support teachers as they implement National Standards, and $36 million to help students identified as needing extra help.
I’m aware that many local schools already use assessment information to raise student achievement and to help identify kids that need extra help.
National Standards are about lifting the performance of every child, and making sure that parents and families can understand the progress of their child.
I have a lot to do with our local schools and teachers and I know how passionate they are about doing a good job. At the same time, I also know that parents want clearer information on how their kids are doing.
As a school parent I’m following this issue with particular interest and look forward to watching progress achieved through National Standards.