Education Minister Hekia Parata says the latest National Standards data reveals some concerning trends, including a decline in the rate of achievement as the year level increases, especially in mathematics.
Concerns about primary school support staff and continuing controversy over National Standards were highlighted at a lively "speak up for education" pre-election meeting in Dunedin last night.
The majority of Otago primary and intermediate principals have welcomed the Labour Party's vow to scrap compulsory National Standards should the party win the forthcoming general election.
National Standards should be given a chance to prove their worth, Keith Furniss, of Dunedin, says.
The Pembroke School board of trustees feels "let down" after the Ministry of Education used the Education Act to force the school to amend their annual charter to include National Standards targets.
Outrage has flared across the New Zealand education sector at the Ministry of Education's punishment of Pembroke School, and some believe the punitive measures will only intensify for the school board and others who challenge National Standards.
Few would argue with the contention our education system should do better at instructing pupils in the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
Thirty-three Otago and Southland primary schools will be among more than 300 nationwide which will defy the Government's National Standards policy tomorrow in what is expected to be the most visual rebellion so far.
Prime Minister John Key used a visit to a school with a "special friend", Australian leader Julia Gillard, to acknowledge National Standards had not gone as smoothly as planned.
Thirty-one primary and intermediate school boards of trustees in Otago and Southland have joined a group of nearly 300 boards nationwide which are "overwhelmingly committed" to defying compliance with the Ministry of Education's National Standards.
The Ministry of Education has started contacting the boards of trustees of every primary and intermediate school in the country to find out their stance on National Standards.
Otago principals have rejected the findings of an Education Review Office (ERO) report which found the education practices in New Zealand schools are failing Maori pupils.
The Otago Primary Principals' Association believes the fight against national standards in New Zealand primary and intermediate schools may shift up another gear with the election of a new president at the New Zealand Educational Institute.
National Standards are an unnecessary hindrance to teachers in the pursuit of their work, Glenorchy School board of trustees parent representative Yvonne Gollop tells James Beech.
Education Minister Anne Tolley is adamant there will be no moratorium on implementation of the National Standards while a newly formed advisory group discusses perceived flaws in the initiative.
Minister of Education Anne Tolley has announced she will establish a National Standards advisory group.
National Standards are a "one-size-fits-all" policy, but the support of the Parents, Teachers and Friends Association is "excellent", Glenorchy School board of trustees chairwoman Corrine Davis says.
Education Minister Anne Tolley provoked angry reaction when she hit back at about 550 principals opposed to National Standards and refused to stay for questions at a conference in Queenstown yesterday.
National standards will have little impact on Arrowtown School as it already widely assesses its education practices to the highest standard, board of trustees chairwoman Tracey Gieck says.
North East Valley Normal School's board of trustees has refused to provide mid-year reports to parents this year in protest at National Standards.
