Just say you use standards, schools told

Photo / NZ Herald

The Ministry of Education has allegedly told schools to say they're using the Government's National Standards system - even if they're not.

Many schools say the new system increases the work load for teachers and their current target systems are adequate, but schools that do not implement the new National Standards may face sanctions from the Ministry.

Two principals whose schools have not adopted the system told Radio New Zealand that Ministry staff suggested they mention the standards in reading, writing and maths in their charter documents.

Paul Drummond, the principal of Nelson's Tahunanui Primary School, said the school was told that although the school's target-setting was precise without using the standards, simply mentioning the standards would be enough to comply with Ministry requirements.

Another principal, who did not want to be named, said he was told the school could say it was working towards implementing the standards and that would suffice.

The Principals' Federation told Radio New Zealand it is aware of other schools being told the same thing.

It believed the Ministry was under pressure to make it appear as if more schools were complying with the system.