Boards of trustees get standards reminder

The standards, which are now in place, set clear expectations that students need to meet in reading, writing and mathematics. They don't apply in private or kura kaupapa schools.

New Zealand Catholic Education Office chief executive Br Pat Lynch, FSC, said the issue is a general educational matter and the NZCEO has not "felt the need to add any commentary" to schools.

Catholic schools have access to all the assistance provided by the Ministry of Education and other educational bodies, Br Lynch said.

But he added that the March 4 edition of the NZCEO newsletter Lighting New Fires posted to schools addressed the issue of national standards.

"While this topic [of national standards] is a contentious one in some schools, as Crown entities, boards of trustees have legal obligations in relation to the implementation of national standards. NZSTA (the New Zealand School Trustees Association) has provided boards with information on these legal obligations."

The NZSTA has reportedly emailed school boards telling them they are obliged under law to implement the standards. Those that refuse to comply could be replaced by a commissioner.

The New Zealand Educational Institute - the primary teachers' union - is campaigning for national standards to be trialled rather than implemented nationwide.

Some educators have voiced opposition to national standards, stating that it wouldn't be in the best interests of children.

Br Lynch said the NZCEO recognises that teachers will have a range of views on the matter and that they want the best educational outcomes for children.

Parents also want this, and have the right to clear information on their child's progress, he said.

"We know that there are many schools that are already presenting very good information to parents," he said.