Read on to find out what we spoke to the Minister about, including the rapid literacy changes, Helen Walls’ shift in direction, updates on the maths curriculum and resources, PLD access for small schools, Learning Support challenges, and our variance claim.
Kia ora PPCB e te Whānau,
On Wednesday afternoon, Julie Hepburn our board chair, Denise Torrey, PSO and myself had a Zoom meeting with Minister Stanford, her EA, and advisor.
The topics we wanted to canvas with her and raise were the issues of the pace of change with the implementation of literacy including the change of heart by Helen Walls. We also discussed the mathematics curriculum and what was happening with Maths resources, accessing PLD for small schools, and Learning Support provision. We alo made her aware of our variance claim.
As is the PPCB way we went in with solutions and suggestions. The Minister was and is appreciative of constructive and respectful discussion and advice.
Pace of Change
The Minister has had a lot of feedback on this already. She recently spoke to Southland principals at the AIMs conference. She reported she has had positive feedback however we reiterated to her that the pace is too quick and causing stress in the sector and her message needed to get to everyone.
These are her messages.
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Just make a start. She said she appreciated that complex change takes time and that the Ministry will be there to support you.
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An implementation plan (called a Curriculum Update) will be out next week. It will include information about resources for Maths. They will be able to be ordered by the end of October with Mid October being a launch for the PLD providers and resource providers so you can order for 2025. You may end up with different resources for different parts of the school if you choose to manage it that way.
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The Minister acknowledged that the resources might be best used to support inexperienced teachers.
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She acknowledged the writers of the curriculum and is talking positively with Helen Walls after her video at the weekend renouncing her involvement. She believes Helen will remain involved in supporting change.
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She is now well aware of our Variation claim and we will be following this up again with the MOE as we were informed we would have an answer this week.
We asked that her key messages, particularly about the pace of change be shared with everyone so we can reassure staff and Boards.
Nga mihi,
Mark Ellis (HOU)
027 347 7982