The Canterbury Primary Principals' Association has outlined its concerns in a letter to Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Primary school principals in Canterbury have written an open letter to the government expressing concern about further revisions to the English and maths curriculum.
In the letter to Education Minister Erica Stanford, the Canterbury Primary Principals' Association (CPPA) called for the timeline for implementation to be extended, saying "change overload" was putting the quality of students' education at risk.
The association said the latest revision was the third major change in two years, with constant shifts creating confusion, uncertainty and increased school staff workloads.
"The ongoing "change overload" facing schools is unsustainable and places at risk both the quality of education provided to our ākonga and the wellbeing of tumuaki and kaiako," the letter said.
"We urge that the timeframe for implementation be extended until at least Term 3, 2026, to allow schools sufficient opportunity to deeply engage with, understand, and embed these changes through relevant and high-quality professional learning and development.
"Regarding the wider curriculum areas and the move toward a "knowledge-rich" curriculum, the current timeframes are unworkable. Successful implementation requires meaningful consultation with those most connected to teaching and learning-principals, teachers, and school leaders. Although we acknowledge the resources made available, the pace and sequencing of these reforms are unrealistic."
Canterbury principals also opposed the removal of the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the overhaul of teacher registration body the Teaching Council.
"Our association and members are firmly committed to Te Tiriti. Any move to weaken these responsibilities would be a significant step backward for equity and partnership in education," the letter said.
The association said the government should not move responsibility for teacher education and standards to the Education Ministry.
"The CPPA strongly opposes the proposed changes to the Teaching Council's governance structure and role. Maintaining an independent, sector-led Teaching Council is essential to preserve trust between educators and government, and to ensure that professional standards remain the responsibility of those who work within education," the letter said.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the Ministry of Education was meeting the Canterbury association on Wednesday and other associations throughout the week to provide an opportunity for discussion and provide feedback.
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