Education system failing kids with high learning needs

The way our education system treats children with high learning needs requires an urgent overhaul, the Green Party said today.

It’s been revealed that another special school, Sara Cohen School in Dunedin, is被调查的涉嫌mistreatment of its pupils.

“Special schools, which are for our most high-need children, should have professionally trained and experienced staff, and the funding to match. Unfortunately, once again, this has proven not to be the case,” said Green Party education spokesperson Catherine Delahunty.

“Mistreating students with high learning needs is widespread across multiple schools. It’s clear that systemic change is needed.

“Hekia Parata needs to tell the public exactly how many schools are under investigation for mistreating high-needs students, and where these investigations are up to.

“If a school is specifically set up to cater to students with special needs, then you would expect a higher standard of care for the kids.

“The Education Select Committee inquiry into learning needs for children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum, initiated by the Green Party, found large holes with the current system.

“One of my main findings from the inquiry was for the need for mandatory training for all teachers on how to teach children with high learning needs. All teachers need to know what inclusion means in practice as well as how to support kids with diverse and complex learning needs.

“The way we treat kids with high learning needs in our education system is overdue for an urgent overhaul,” Ms Delahunty said.

Action

Jeanette Fitzsimon's Memorial

Since her passing, we have been so moved by your stories of Jeanette. Inspiring, challenging, humorous, poignant — endless stories of a life so ric...
Take Action

Action

Local Events

We have activists across Aotearoa / New Zealand who are working hard to build a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. This page lists upcomin...
Take Action

Action

It's time to pay our essential workers a dignified wage

Our essential workers are the heroes getting us through the COVID-19 crisis, yet for too long they’ve been...
Take Action

Action

Join our call to stop funding fossil fuels!

We need to remove all public money managed by the Government from climate-changing fossil fuel industries.
Take Action

Action

Support our Climate Action Plan for bigger bolder climate action

We agree with all five of the School Strike for Climate's demands. Read more and sign the petition.
Take Action

Action

Show your support to end housing inequality

Our essential workers are the heroes getting us through the COVID-19 crisis, yet for too long they’ve been undervalued and many barely....
Take Action

LatestEducationAnnouncements

Policy

Education Policy

Every child is entitled to a high-quality, free, accessible public education that gives them the best possible start in life. Well-funded public ed...
See More

Policy

Inclusive Education

The Green Party is passionate about improving inclusive education services so that every Kiwi kid gets to fully participate in school life. In gove...
See More

Policy

Tertiary Education Policy

Supporting students creates a fairer society and a stronger economy. Tertiary education can help drive the transition to a sustainable Aotearoa New...
See More

Story

Safer speed limits for schools

The Government is delivering on its commitment to make streets safer for kids to walk and cycle to school, by reducing speed limits to a maximum of...
Read More

Story

Aotearoa history to be taught in all schools

The Government’s commitment to ensure New Zealand history is taught in all schools by 2022 is part of a landmark day for our nation’s story, said G...
Read More

Story

Food in Schools: caring for our children’s future

The Green Party is welcoming today’s announcement of a pilot programme to provide school lunches in 30 schools, expanding to 120 schools by 2021. “...
Read More