Monthly Archives: March 2015

Some thoughts about Redcliffs, Parata, and the drive to gigantism

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Kelvin Smythe

The arguments about why Hekia Parata is so intent on closing Redcliffs School are swirling as they always do when Hekia and the ministry are making decisions about whether a school lives or dies: are the reasons financial or ideological? … Continue reading →

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NZPF No: 1175 Denise will be a great leader within Egypt; not a legendary one to the promised land

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Kelvin Smythe

I had hoped in an earlier posting that Denise Torrey would be our Moses but, on the evidence of the latest newsletter, while she is going to be terrific, she will not be our Moses. What a beautifully written and … Continue reading →

Posted in NZPF | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

NZPF and NZEI – great: PPTA need a pay cut and to be hauled in

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Kelvin Smythe

For those in primary, as far as organisational representation is concerned, we can now feel comfortable. Yes – NZEI is in a complicated IES position that in one sense doesn’t make full sense, but they are cool, and we have … Continue reading →

Posted in Education Policy, NZEI, NZPF, PPTA | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The steaming mound of lies that is the ministry media release on mathematics

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Kelvin Smythe

Can’t the media get it? Can’t the editors get it? Can’t the boards of trustees get it? Can’t the parents get it? Everything that comes out of the ministry of education commenting on education, the big mouth of Hekia, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Curriculum | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Group reviewing under IES and EDUCANZ being probed: NZEI get ready to leave

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Kelvin Smythe

If in putting one and one together is true, the NZEI should get ready to leave the IES table. In a posting late last year I wrote, and in blood as far as I am concerned: ‘Be cautious of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Education Policy | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Inert main aims, measurable objectives, discovery-destroying learning outcomes are bricks in the wall

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Kelvin Smythe

From time-to-time I like to stocktake where I think classroom learning is. I do this because I think it is important schools don’t regularise the terrible or make normal the grossly abnormal. I sense this could be happening. My view … Continue reading →

Posted in Curriculum, Teaching | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments