The group of 300 “rebel schools” has ended it’s battle against national standards.
Perry Rush, the spokesman for BTAC (Boards Taking Action Coalition) told members to accept a position of “forced compliance”, but using a disclaimer in their charters. The recommended wording being:
These targets have been imposed by the Ministry of Education against the express wishes of the board.
The charters are intended to show where students are with their reading, writing and maths. Labour introduced them, but also began enforcing them this year.
Perry Rush said:
At this juncture, BTAC advises that forced compliance is the best strategy. The real battle in relation to national standards will come next year when schools are required to provide data to the Ministry of Education.
Earlier this month the Ministry of Education confirmed it had received compliant charters from 80% of year 1-8 schools.
Anne Tolley, Education Minister, said:
Schools were getting on with the important task of implementing national standards, and giving parents clear information about the progress their child is making.
She also suggested many of the outstanding charters were not from rebel protestors but from those requiring help in ensuring they met the requirements.