Editorial: Standards dialogue necessary

By all accounts Linda Whitlow is not a troublemaker.

As principal of Waimarama School, she has been a leader in her community. She also proved her worth by playing a huge role in the clean-up after the Easter floods last year.

So, when someone of the calibre of Mrs Whitlow uses words like disheartened and damaging to describe how she feels about National Standards and what it is doing to our children, then we need to sit up and take notice.

Mrs Whitlow is leaving Waimarama School where she has been principal for two and a half years, to pursue a career as an English teacher in China.

It is quite clear the real reason is that she is fed up with National Standards.

Her main concern is that the standards are most damaging to the very children that they have been designed to help - the tail end.

"Tell a child that they are 'below' expectation and they will turn off that subject and eventually disengage with school," she says.

Mrs Whitlow does not appear to be the only one who feels this way. More and more teachers and principals are voicing their displeasure at a system they just don't think works.

Nelson Park School principal Nevan Bridge, who is the regional chairman of a group protesting the standards, is even more forthright in his condemnation of the policy.

"I'm pleased I'm at the age I am because I won't have to deal with this crap," he says.

Strong words indeed. Is the Government listening? Some would say not. It seems determined to forge ahead with this policy.

Acting Education Minister Paula Bennett says those in the sector with concerns should raise them with the National Standards Sector Advisory Group but you get the feeling that not a lot will be done about these complaints.

Never one to shy away from a fight, Ms Bennett seems to be looking for one by suggesting that there is no statistical evidence of discontent with the standards. While technically she may be right, there is a growing chorus of opponents.

Instead of doggedly moving ahead with a policy many doubt is good for our children, the Government needs to start listening to professionals like Mrs Whitlow.

With a little bit more dialogue, maybe we would be able to find a suitable compromise. And maybe good teachers like Mrs Whitlow would not feel the need to go to China.