Mallard can't gloss over the facts

new-zealand-national-party

Mon May 28 2001 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Mallard can't gloss over the facts

Monday, 28 May 2001, 4:26 pm
Press Release: New Zealand National Party

Gerry Brownlee National Education Spokesperson

Monday 28 May 2001

Education Minister Trevor Mallard's glossy pamphlet detailing the National Certificate of Educational Achievement for students and their parents can't disguise the inadequacies of the qualification, National's Education spokesperson Gerry Brownlee said today.

"Papers obtained by National under the Official Information Act show that the pamphlet was designed to 'leave discussion about the merits of NCEA aside', 'adopt an authoritative position and lead the debate', and 'use a positive and exciting tone'.

"Rather than avoiding a debate about the merits of the NCEA, the Government should be encouraging it. A substandard qualification is not acceptable. Many schools have already resorted to offering a separate examination for their students, but what about those students whose parents can't afford to pay for the other exam or who don't even go to schools offering an alternative?

"No amount of gloss can disguise the fact that the NCEA doesn't reward students' effort or achievement. Putting all students into three broad bands of achievement ranging from 'turned up and ate lunch' to 'exceptional student' is not acceptable.

"Mr Mallard is at pains to point out that there will still be end of year exams in the curriculum but the exams will not carry percentage marks. The grade point average does not solve the concerns of National, many schools and parents. It is a deception rather than an indication of a student's ability. The grade point average is as unacceptable as the three broad bands of credit, merit and excellence.

"Mr Mallard's glossy pamphlet designed to reassure parents and students about the merits of the NCEA doesn't change the fact that he's trying to sell a donkey," Mr Brownlee said.

Ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from New Zealand National Party on InfoPages.