Alwyn Poole
Began teaching in 1991. TBC, HBHS, St Cuths. Founded/led Mt Hobson MS 18 years. Co-founded SAMS and MSWA. Econs degree, Masters in Edn, tchg dip, post grad dip – sport.
In mathematics, the main topic of PISA 2022, Singapore 15-year-olds in score 575 points compared to an average of 472 points in OECD countries.
According to the most recent PISA results, New Zealand students’ average score in mathematics is 479, which is slightly above the OECD average, but represents a significant decline from previous years, with the score dropping 15 points from 2018, indicating a concerning trend in New Zealand's mathematical performance compared to other developed nations.
David Seymour’s response is tiny Charter Schools – including a Remuera French School.
Minister Stanford seems to have taken on significant guidance from the Singapore system. That is not a bad thing as we could learn a great deal. She is trying and working hard.
When I was studying mathematics and statistics at an under-graduate and graduate level we would often have to do “proofs”. This would always come to a place where an action or condition was a necessary but not “sufficient” condition.
As a nation what we need to be fully aware of is that any improvement we make with schools/curriculum is necessary but not sufficient.
Many miles above schools is parenting and – internationally – there are huge research correlations between parenting, including two parent homes, and school success.
In Singapore approximately seven per cent of children are in single-parent homes.
In New Zealand approximately 20 per cent of children are in single-parent homes and 31 per cent of Māori children.
If we are to adapt curriculum practices from a nation, like Singapore, we need to massively support children who do not come from the family norms here.
The key priority for education in New Zealand is not crappy school lunches, or even methodological change… it is enhancing parenting at every level. Until then we are pushing manure uphill with a very loose rake.
Completely shrinking and re-purposing the Ministry of Education is another NECESSARY but not sufficient condition. There are still over 4,200 employees despite the National-ACT pre-election promises to bring it back to 2,700 (also BLOATED and ineffective).
Our change programme is way too slow and another example of National incrementalism.
This article was originally published by Education – the Absolute Best Ways.
