Education and Training Act 2020: Amending school board objectives

School board objectives

In line with the Tomorrow School’s recommendations, clause 127 of the Education and Training Act refocuses boards on a wider range of objectives, with educational achievement sitting alongside three other, equally as important, primary objectives. These are for schools to ensure that:

  • every student is able to attain their highest possible standard in educational achievement;
  • the school is a physically and emotionally safe place for all students and staff, and gives effect to relevant student rights and takes all reasonable steps to eliminate racism, stigma, bullying, and any other forms of discrimination within the school;
  • the school is inclusive and caters for students with differing needs;
  • the school gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by:
    • working to ensure that its plans, policies, and local curriculum reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori
    • taking all reasonable steps to make instruction available in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori; and
    • achieving equitable outcomes for Māori students.

School boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

What can we expect from schools giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

The new objective relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi will:

  • emphasise the importance of local history and practices;
  • challenge boards to improve the teaching of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori;
  • contribute to meeting the Crown’s duty to actively protect tino rangatiratanga rights; and
  • make a significant contribution to achieving the Crown’s Strategy for Māori Language Revitalisation 2018 – 2023 – Maihi Karauna.

What support will schools get to help them give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

The Government is taking practical steps to support the growth of te reo Māori capability in the education workforce through initiatives such as Te Ahu o te Reo Māori. This will help schools provide te reo Māori lessons.

Ministry staff will be able to provide boards with advice on how they can initiate conversations with their local communities to ensure their plans, policies and local curriculum reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori.

When do the objectives come into force?

The revised objectives for student educational achievement, physically and emotional safety and inclusivity took effect upon enactment and are in force now. The objective relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi will come into force on 1 January 2021. This will provide schools with more time to become familiar with the changes required under this objective and prepare to give effect to them.

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