Educators Disagree With Charter Schools
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Loading... - Bryce Landry
- 02 Jul 2024
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Educators across New Zealand have united in opposition to the charter school bill, which recently underwent its first reading in Parliament. Prominent unions, including NZEI Te Riu Roa, PPTA Te Wehengarua, and the Aotearoa Educators’ Collective (AEC), have voiced their strong objections to the proposed scheme.
Earlier this year, the government announced a $153 million investment in the charter school initiative, which aims to convert 35 state schools and establish 15 new charter schools.
Chris Abercrombie, President of PPTA Te Wehengarua, criticized the move, stating, "There is nothing charter schools claim to do that can’t be done in a local state school, given the resources and political commitment. The only thing charter schools have been proven to do is to open the door to the privatization of our education system by enabling businesses to come in and run schools for a profit."
Abercrombie emphasized that New Zealanders prefer their local schools to be community assets managed by local representatives. He argued that the $153 million allocated to the charter school experiment could be better utilized in enhancing local state schools.
The Aotearoa Educators’ Collective echoed these sentiments in a press release, challenging all political parties to vote against the Education and Training Amendment Act legislation. They argued that the bill not only allows for charter schools but also strips away parental voice by mandating that underperforming schools convert to the charter model.
The bill, now publicly available, grants the Education Minister the authority to direct underperforming state schools (excluding state-integrated, distance, kura kaupapa Māori, specialist, and charter schools) to transition to the charter model. It also establishes the Charter School Authorisation Board, which will approve new charter schools and intervene in those failing to meet their obligations. Members of this board would be appointed by the Education Minister.
Educators have also criticized the legislation for its lack of transparency and the uncertainty it creates for teachers and communities. Abercrombie highlighted concerns that the bill overrides teachers' rights under employment law, forcing them to transfer to the new charter schools or resign. He stated, "Effectively the Government is seeking to strong-arm teachers into charter schools."
The AEC added that charter schools are not required to disclose how much public funding is directed toward student learning as opposed to business operations. This lack of financial transparency is a significant point of contention among educators and unions.
The opposition from educators underscores a broader concern about the potential privatization of New Zealand's education system and the implications for students, teachers, and communities.
