Focus on quality teaching applauded

BusinessNZ says the Government’s education plan rightly focuses on quality teaching.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says the clear objectives outlined in today’s pre-Budget announcement will help engender confidence in the school sector.

“The requirement that all students starting high school will be able to do maths at year 9 level, and higher expectations for the number of students achieving NCEA level 2 - especially in science and maths - are the kinds of objectives that parents, communities and employers want.

“Focusing on quality teaching, not just teacher numbers will gain a big tick from those who care about learning outcomes,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Seeing teacher numbers and salary budgets increasing substantially over the last decade without substantial learning improvements indicates a real need for performance measures and better information for families and communities to monitor progress and the effectiveness of our schools.

“The need to develop an appraisal system to support, recognise and reward quality teaching and professional school leadership – whether with or without performance pay - is now urgent.  We call on the Government to facilitate such a system with relevant partners as a matter of priority.”