Raising achievement for more Mori learners
Thousands more young Mori learners at 17 additional schools will benefit from the Te Kotahitanga secondary schools programme next year, Education Minister Anne Tolley and Associate Education Minister Dr Pita Sharples have announced.
“Funding of almost $20 million over four years will allow the number of schools taking part in Te Kotahitanga to expand from 33 to 50 schools across New Zealand in 2010,” said Mrs Tolley.
“In Budget 2009, the Government committed to extend Te Kotahitanga to 15 new schools. Today’s announcement takes that commitment to raising Maori learners’ achievement even further.
“This means that, in addition to the 13,000 Mori students currently benefiting from Te Kotahitanga, almost 7,000 more Mori students and 900 more teachers will be involved in the programme.”
Te Kotahitanga has been proven to lift student achievement by working with teachers and schools to create culturally responsive learning environments, to improve teaching and learning practices and to improve relationships between teachers and learners.
The new schools entering Te Kotahitanga are:
Kaitaia College
Kamo High School
Tikipunga High School
Fairfield College
Forest View High School
Tongariro School
Rotorua Boys' High School
Rotorua Lakes High School
Taupo-nui-a-Tia
Flaxmere College
Hastings Boys' High School
Napier Boys' High School
William Colenso College
Gisborne Boys' High School
Gisborne Girls' High School
Lytton High School
Wairoa College
In addition, work has begun on a new professional learning and school based development programme, He Kkano, for up to 100 area and secondary school leaders, to begin next year.
“He Kkano is focused on culturally responsive leadership that results in Mori learners’ presence, engagement, learning and achievement success,” said Associate Minister Dr Pita Sharples.
“The programme will strengthen knowledge, capability, and capacity across the secondary school