(26 May 2010) Letter from Karen Poutasi, CEO of NZQA to Kate Gainsford PPTA President re changes to secondary moderation requirements arising from NZQA mistakes.

(April 2010)  This paper, obtained under the Official Information Act, approves a change of class for seven kura kaupapa Maori to become wharekura and thus offer education at secondary level.  It proposes a reduction to the standard area school property and funding formula for these schools which would then potentially  apply to all composite (and probably secondary) schools with roll numbers under 201. The paper also indicates a change to the staffing formula to reduce the staffing entitlement to these schools. The reasons the Ministry gives for making this change are:   The costs, particularly secondary school property costs, were prohibitive (over $100,000) which meant that the applications for change of class had been held up for over a year.   This is an interim solution for this year while the Ministry develops something more permanent.   It has been remiss in not planning for this sooner given that it was obvious secondary provision would be needed when kura students moved to year 9.

(9 October 2009) Letter from Ministry of Education in reply to Chris Hooker, NZAC, focusing on issues around student safety that Chris had raised.

(August 2009)  Presentation to the PPTA ICT taskforce.  Presenters: Howard Baldwin and Douglas Baldwin, Ministry of Education.

(9 July 2009)  New Zealand – Ministry of Education Consultation draft.  The term ‘portfolio’ has been in use in New Zealand schools for many years.  Evidenceshows that there are a wide range of uses and views on its purpose and place inschools. With the advent of digital technologies the references increasingly turn to thephrase ePortfolio, and deliver digital representations in various guises, depending onthe purpose for delivery. With the advent of Web 2.0 the tools and systems built forthese purposes are now numerous.  It was recognised that the use of ePortfolios in New Zealand is varied, and there was a need to determine what kind of support, if any, was needed as access to technologies increases and teachers are more familiar and confident in their use. The purpose of this report was to discuss the place and use of electronic portfolios, ePortfolios, within the context of New Zealand schools, particularly the early primary years to senior secondary colleges.

(24 June 2009) Hon Anne Tolley Minister of Education, Speech to the Association of Proprietors of State Integrated Schools AGM