Taskforce gathering intel on future schooling system

The Tomorrow’s Schools Independent Taskforce is wanting to hear from parents, whānau and the wider community about what they want from the schooling system for their children.

The Taskforce has reviewed the current system and their report – Our Schooling Futures: Stronger Together | Whiria Ngā Tūātinitini – is out now for consultation. With 32 recommendations in the report the Taskforce is calling for significant change and they want to give all New Zealanders an opportunity to share their views at public meetings they are hosting around the country.

So is our current education system still relevant? Does it work for those that are parents, school board members or educators? Does it meet the needs of our children today?

The Independent Taskforce believes that we must place all our children’s needs and potential at the centre of any change and wants to hear from the public what they want from our schooling system.

Bali Haque, Chair of the Independent Taskforce, says “During our review we found that education is highly valued in Aoteoroa New Zealand but forevery child to achieve well we need to change our schooling system. Whether your involvement in a school is as a student, a parent and/or PTA member, board member, teacher aide or educator, we want to hear your feedback.

It is important that people are clear about exactly what we are proposing and why so let’s have that conversation. And it’s even more important that you have your say.”

The public meetings run through to the end of March – see when the Taskforce will be in your region and how you can have your say http://conversation.education.govt.nz/tsr

The full report is available here as well as a video summation and report summary available in a range of languages. Consultation closes 7 April 2019.

The Independent Taskforce was appointed in April 2018 by the Minister of Education Hon Chris Hipkins. The Taskforce includes Bali Haque, Chair, with members Barbara Ala’alatoa, Professor Mere Berryman, Professor John O’Neill and Dr Cathy Wylie.

The full report and FAQs can be found at https://conversation.education.govt.nz/conversations/tomorrows-schools-review/