New action plan to boost Maori achievement

New action plan to boost Maori achievement

A new draft Maori education strategy focuses on boosting the achievement of Maori students by making the education system more effective for them.

‘Ka Hikitia – Managing for Success: The draft Maori Education Strategy 2008-2012’ sets out priorities, actions, targets and outcomes for the next five years. It was released recently for public consultation by Steve Maharey and Parekura Horomia.

The achievement of Maori has improved since the first Maori Education Strategy in 1999, and this represents a new stage of education by the government based on the growing knowledge of what works for Maori.

Mr Horomia says “the plan makes it clear the whole education system must make improving the way Maori students are taught a top priority. The system is performing well by international standards, but much more needs to be done to ensure the sector responds effectively to the educational needs of Maori students.”

Mr Maharey says this strategy is informed by a greater understanding of what makes a difference for Maori students, both in the classroom and the community, “programmes like Te Kotahitanga, which challenge teachers’ assumptions and expectations of Maori students, are already showing encouraging results.”

Research shows that what makes the biggest difference for Maori students is a different approach to teaching. All leaders in education taking responsibility for Maori students achieving is also vital.

There are eight key actions to help students reach their full potential, including boosting Maori participation in ECE, improving access to Maori language education and making sure more young Maori stay at school.

The action plan also introduces provisional targets including:

• A 20 per cent reduction in the truancy rate of Maori students in years one and two, and years nine and 10.

• Increasing Maori participation in ECE from 90 to 95 per cent by 2012.

• Boosting literacy, numeracy and the number of Maori achieving university entrance.

“Maori students need to be able to succeed as Maori. The education system must engage them in a way that is relevant to them and their culture,” Mr Horomia says.

Public consultation over the next three months will include 13 hui and meetings with key stakeholder groups. A final strategy is expected to come back for government approval in March next year.

A copy of the draft strategy and details on consultation are available in English and Maori atV