Fears new ITE maths requirement will exacerbate staffing shortages

A proposal to lift entry requirements in maths for primary ITE programmes has sparked opposition from some educators who say the move will limit teacher diversity and worsen staffing shortages.

As part of the government’s new action plan on maths education, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the Teaching Council will strengthen the maths component in ITE programmes.  

This includes a new entry requirement for ITE applicants to have gained at least 14 credits in Level 2 NCEA Mathematics.  

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Following the announcement a “snap” hui was arranged between the Teaching Council and ITE providers. Opposing educators noted that: 

• NCEA Level 2 Mathematics is not required to teach primary maths, and there is no evidence that this requirement would make a difference for teaching and learning in primary schools;

• The requirement exceeds University Entrance (UE) requirement of 10 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics, which will impact enrolment numbers by deterring otherwise sound candidates;

• The requirement assumes secondary school students will have decided on a teaching career by the end of Year 11.

Dr Rosina Merry, Chair Executive of the Teacher Education Forum of Aotearoa New Zealand (TEFANZ) which represents initial education providers across the country, notes evidence from Ireland and Australia shows such entry requirements do not lift the standard of mathematics teaching.  

“A significant consequence of this proposal on the primary teaching workforce will likely be the exacerbation of teacher shortages in many parts of the country and a decrease in teacher diversity,” says Merry.  

TEFANZ says it also has concerns about the speed of change and lack of “robust consultation”.  Merry said there was little evidence to show higher entry requirements would result in better outcomes for teaching graduates.  

“Based on our current entry criteria, which is still very robust, and there are many applicants that don’t get through, if we lift the level even more, it would pretty much decimate a lot of initial teacher education programmes in the primary sector,” Merry concluded.  

In response, Stanford said the government was collaborating with the Teaching Council to support students currently in Years 11 and 12 by putting in place bridging programmes. Stanford said it was a reasonable expectation that primary teachers should feel confident doing Level 2 NCEA Maths.  

“You’ve got to remember that there are some Year 8 students… who are actually working many years ahead of where they are, and we actually want our teachers to be confident teaching, and accelerating those kids as well.”  

Staffing levels at “crisis”  

Meanwhile, schools say staffing shortages have reached “crisis” point.  

Darren Smith, Principal of full primary school Bluestone School said they were struggling to manage classes due to a lack of relief teachers.  

“We feel like we’re just a babysitting minding service, we aren’t able to offer the quality of education we know the Government would like to see us providing,” he told 1News. 

Last week, with three teachers absent from illness, three classes had to be split and merged to cover staff shortages, resulting in as many as 38 students in a room with some learning on the floor.  

“I’ve never seen this in education in all my time in teaching,” said Smith.  

Recently, an advertised teaching position at the school received no applicants. Smith said there may soon be a scenario where classes would have to be canceled for a day due to shortages.  

“Every day just seems like we’re having to split classes at the moment… we want to do a good job, we just need the personnel to do it.” 

New Zealand Relief Teachers Association Chairperson Sally Wallwork said that relief teachers were in high demand and short supply due to winter illnesses and an increase in release time.  

Although the number of relief teachers has remained steady, the Ministry of Education has noted that there are regional and local variations in available relievers.  

“Some schools may find it difficult to find the staff they need, especially at a short notice,” said a Ministry spokesperson.