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Welcome to the website of the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association / Te Wehengarua (PPTA), the professional association representing teachers and principals in secondary and area schools, and teachers in intermediates, technicraft centres, and community education.
News
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Investment in education critical for economy |
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"Invest more in education, not less"
February 5, 2010
With unemployment statistics the highest they have been in a decade it is critical to invest more in education, not less, PPTA president Kate Gainsford says.
Gainsford was particularly disappointed in comments made that the 7.3% unemployment figure stemmed from poor teaching.
“If high unemployment was the result of poor teaching then why aren’t teachers given the credit when unemployment levels are down? There are many more factors in play here.
“This is not a proper position to take if there is a genuine interest to address underachievement or unemployment.
“More investment in education across all sectors of society is the only way to achieve sustainable economic growth,” she said.
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Read more...
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PPTA releases position on National Standards |
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“A child is more than a test score.”
January 28, 2010
PPTA is releasing a paper today in a bid to inform debate on National Standards and steer the country away from ‘assessment mania.’
The paper looks at the dangers of National’s standards in a country that “already over-assesses,” PPTA president Kate Gainsford said.
“Excessive monitoring does not improve teaching and learning,” she said.
“A child is more than a test score.”
“Plain English and informative reporting is a good thing for teachers, parents and students. You don’t need expensive national standards to do this. The money would be better spent on more one-on-one time and smaller classes to help pick up the students that are falling behind.”
PPTA has released the paper to make sure that public discussion is well-informed.
“We welcome robust and well-informed debate,” Gainsford said.
Contact: PPTA President Kate Gainsford (04) 913 4227 or 021 822 001
 Download PPTA position statement on National Standards
Download PPTA background paper on National Standards |
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