John Gerritsen
Teachers, principals disturbed by racism complaints
Students told researchers for the Office of the Children's Commissioner and the School Trustees Association of problems including discrimination by teachers and abuse from other children. Audio
Racism against Māori, Pasifika in schools revealed
Disturbing complaints by students about racism in schools have emerged in a new report published today. Students say they suffered from racial stereotypes and low expectations from teachers, as well… Audio
Schools starting year with unfilled vacancies
Principals are increasing class sizes, asking senior managers to teach and persuading retired teachers to return to work amid a teacher shortage they expect will only get worse. Audio
Shortage forces schools to hire weak teachers
A serious shortage of teachers is forcing schools to scrape the bottom of the barrel and hire people they would not normally consider. Schools begin to reopen from Monday and principals say most have… Audio
Outspoken - Education
National Standards in schools are coming to an end. Our education correspondent John Gerritsen speaks to three retiring principals about what has been achieved and what has to happen. Audio
Principal refuses to discuss expense allegations
A principal who got a trip to Fiji and $550 to spend on his wellbeing is refusing to answer questions about other expense payments and practices at his school. David Wallis has confirmed Manurewa West… Audio
Schools' gifts, overseas trips worry auditors
Auditors have highlighted unusual and high spending at schools including one that bought a ride-on mower for a departing principal and another that collected thousands of dollars for disaster relief… Audio
Teachers leaving Auckland for greener pastures
An NZEI survey indicates a fifth of the city's primary and intermediate schools expect to start next year with unfilled vacancies and a quarter are still unsure if they will have enough teachers. Audio
Teachers, principals blame standards for reading drop
For the first time in 15 years, this country's score in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study has fallen significantly. We're now ranked 33rd out of 50 countries. Audio
NZ kids tumble in reading ability levels
New Zealand's 10-year-olds have tumbled in an international test of reading ability. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study says New Zealand was one of just 12 countries where reading… Audio
Thousands of students to benefit from govt's zero-fee policy
Eighty-thousand students will pay no fees next year thanks to the government's zero fees policy. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government will pay fees up to $12,000 each for each student. Video, Audio
Polytechnics fragile, under strain, lacking funding
Polytechnic bosses have told the government their sector is under strain from a lack of funding, competition from the private sector, and falling enrolments. The Tertiary Education Commission has… Audio
Polytech gets worst ever quality rating
For the first time ever, the Qualifications Authority has given a government polytechnic its lowest possible quality rating. Tai Poutini Polytechnic, which is based in Greymouth, has been downgraded… Audio
NCEA, scholarship exams finish
The end of this year's NCEA and Scholarship exams is in sight with the final nine exams scheduled to take place today. The annual exam season began three-and-a-half weeks ago and it's been relatively… Audio
Principals want review of truancy services
Only 67 percent of children regularly attended school in term two last year, down from 70 percent in 2015. Principals want a review of attendance services charged with getting the worst offenders back… Audio
ERO urges change to arrest falling achievement
The Education Review Office is calling for change to stop children falling behind in subjects like reading and maths as they get older. In a new report the office says some schools are getting good… Audio
Ministry botches first round of new funding system
Human error caused nearly every school in the country to get the wrong amount in the first run of a new system targeting money to at-risk children. Education Correspondent John Gerritsen reports. Audio
Another year, another issue with NCEA maths exams
A group of more than 30 teachers has written a letter of complaint to NZQA over problems with its level one maths exam this year, following issues with last years' maths exams. Audio
English schools fear loss of work visas for students
English language schools are worried as-yet-announced Government rules on foreign students' work rights could amount to a crackdown on their eligibility to work, which could badly damage enrolments… Audio
Tertiary institutions brace for multi-million-dollar penalties
Tertiary institutions are bracing themselves for penalties that can total as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars each next month. The new government says it's going to keep the performance-linked… Audio