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Changes to the Education Bill were introduced today.
Eudcation Minister Hekia Parata says
the expectations of boards of trustees will be made clearer,
ensuring student achievement.
Joining us now from Rotorua to discuss these changes
is Maori commentary Keith Ikin.
Do you think these changes will hold Boards of Trustees more accountable?
It's easy for the government to legalise its wants for schools.
I'd urge Hekia not to leave it merely up to the law.
It's hard for boards to keep up with the changes in schools,
and most of them are just parents who are interested
in getting involved in their child's school.
So something needs to be put in place to help train
those parents who sit on boards.
The bill says vulnerable children should be monitored at an early age
– do you think that will beneficial?
I think this law, or this part of it,
is looking at children who aren't attending early childhood centres.
We know that a lot of those who drop out are Maori.
So if this can tempt government departments,
such as the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, to work
with the Education Ministry
so that they know where these kids are,
I think that's a good thing.
They need to be encouraged to be put into kohanga.
Do provisions around 'surrender and retention' need to be clarified?
It needs to be clarified.
I think the benefit is that if we look at bullying via mobile phones,
this is a real issue in schools.
So if there's something where
teachers are able to confiscate phones,
then that could be a good thing.
The bill provides legislation for partnership schools,
is that a good thing?
It's a good thing if it's not left
for the business alone to manage the school,
but if both the business and school
has an equal role in managing the school,
then there's a benefit.
Keith Ikin, thank you for joining us.