The Minister of Education has announced a change to staffing ratios and a freeze on teacher staffing.
28 students is the most common class size in our secondary schools. Changing any of the staffing ratios by two would increase this to more than 30 students (as the staffing is not used solely for classes).
The Secondary School Staffing Group Report 2012 found that the current staffing system gives too few teachers to larger schools (750 plus). Staffing cuts based on curriculum ratios will make the situation far worse.
Student redistribution cannot be expected to be even. Instead of an increase of 2 or 3 per class, some classes will change only slightly, if at all, while others are likely to see a significant increases in their size.
The New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association / Te Wehengarua (PPTA) believe class size does matter in ensuring our country’s young people have access to the best quality education possible.
Class size matters webpage
Angela Roberts Junior Vice President of the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association / Te Wehengarua (PPTA) talks to Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury about increased class sizes, teacher staffing cuts and the effect on student learning.
The New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association / Te Wehengarua (PPTA) believe student learning will be badly affected by a freeze on teacher staffing.
There is an expected increase in the number of students entering secondary schooling, the change to staffing ratios and a freeze on teacher staffing will increase class sizes in schools.
1. There will be less time for one-to-one work between teachers and individual students.
2. There will be less time for teachers to provide individualised feedback to students.
3. There will be less time for guidance and pastoral care for each student.
4. Lesson quality may decline as there will be less time for teachers to prepare.
5. There will be fewer subject options for students.
6. There will be fewer extracurricular activities available to students.
7. Managing the health and safety of students will be a greater issue for the school.
8. The quality of our students learning opportunities will be affected - and positive student achievement outcomes will be put at risk.
9. There will be increased cost pressures on schools’ operational funding - parents and students are likely to face increased costs.
10. Over time the quality of teaching that our children receive may suffer as there will be less time for teacher professional development.
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with the subject line “Staffing Cuts”. Visit the Class size matters webpage
