Experiences and Suggestions re NZ Education

Hello Kiwiblog people and all the best for 2023.

In early March I have the privilege of a short speaking slot and being on an Education Panel at the NZ Economics Forum hosted by Waikato University.

The topic for the Education Panel is: Schools under the Microscope – How do we turn them around?

Many of the problems have become very clear over the last five years and include – but are not limited to – attendance, retention until 17 years old, huge ethnicity and socio-economic achievement gaps, significant decline against international metrics, attracting high quality teachers.

I have no shortage of data and a number of ideas for rapid and significant improvement. I am also consulting with some very high quality researchers and educators to produce a high quality take-away document.

However, I am still many years away from the situation where in my tombstone it will say – “Here lies Alwyn – and wisdom dies with him.” In fact – I will be lucky to outdo Spike Milligan’s last joke.

I would very much welcome views from Kiwiblog people – either in the comments/discussion – or by direct email (no word limit – I will read them all). I also welcome counter arguments to what you think my views might be.

Initial themes would be:

• the educational experiences of yourself and your family – good and bad of course.
• your view of the state of the NZ system and causes.
• your suggestions on need changes and improvements.

Anything I use directly I am very happy to credit back to the writer (or not – as you prefer). Your views are important – not least because you pay for our education system.

Please don’t hesitate to share the post on to those you think may be interested.

Thanks in advance.

UPDATE: I am reading all of the comments and finding them interesting. Also have a good number of well thought through emails. Much appreciated. Education has to be a major 2023 issue.

Alwyn Poole
alwyn.poole@gmail.com