WHAT is billed as the biggest update to education in New Zealand in 27 years was introduced in Parliament this week by education minister Hekia Parata.
“The Education (Update) Amendment Bill is about enabling schools to provide a flexible 21st century education focussed on the achievement of every young New Zealander,” Ms Parata said.
“The overall approach of the Bill is to enable choices that ensure parents and whanau have options for their children’s education; early learning providers, schools and kura have flexibility to meet the particular needs of their students; and that those students are getting real results.”
Ms Parata said the bill provided for a government statement, the National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP), setting out objectives for education.
“The purpose of the NELP is to move to a system that is not just about delivering education, but about student achievement, with clear accountabilities for early childhood centres and schools,” Ms Parata said.
“With this legislative change we’re making it clearer to our educators what success for students looks like. We’re also enabling them to be innovative and creative with how they deliver education in this digital age.”
One of the bill’s proposals is to modernise online learning through the establishment of Communities of Online Learning (COOL).
“This innovative way of delivering education offers a digital option to engage students, grow their digital fluency, and connect them even more to 21st century opportunities.
“There will be a rigorous accreditation process alongside ongoing monitoring to ensure quality education is being provided.”
Ms Parata said there was an option for parents and schools to enrol new entrants on the first day of a term closest to the child’s fifth birthday.
At the earliest, children could start up to eight weeks before they turn five, although parents would still have the option to delay their child starting at school until their sixth birthday.
Other key proposals reflected a drive to enable schools and kura to work together.