Stories by John Gerritsen
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Free lunch scheme has made 'huge difference' for Wainuiomata school
Parents, children and teachers are urging the government to leave funding for the free school lunch programme, Ka Ora Ka Ako, untouched.
Scientists warn NZ risks losing top researchers due to funding gap
Researchers warn they cannot wait until the government's Budget at the end of May to find out what is happening with science funding.
$107m fund to maintain school buildings not enough, principals say
$31k on air filter maintenance and $17k on doors: Schools are struggling with upkeep costs and flash new buildings are making the problem worse.
Callaghan Innovation begins consultation on cost-cutting measures
The government science agency's chief executive says it is proposing to refocus on its core functions to help relieve cost pressures.
More kids stop home schooling, families lasting less than a year
The number of children leaving home-schooling spiked last year, but total home-school numbers dropped only slightly last year.
School stand-down rates highest in 20 years
More than 25,000 students were stood down in a year, over assaults, smoking, vaping and alcohol.
What officials think of the government's new reading, writing policy
The Cabinet paper containing the advice also said the policy would essentially cost nothing.
Teachers turn down $5000 to help with new NCEA rules
Some teachers refused offers of $5000 to help the government fast-track critical guidance for new NCEA standards just days before Christmas.
School truancy will leave 80-year shadow of negative effects, Seymour warns
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has warned that serious school truancy will leave an 80-year shadow of negative effects.
Ministry of Education explains why it has hired so many new staff
A select committee wants to know why the ministry has added about 1900 staff, in five years.
High failure rates on second attempts at new NCEA tests
Most students who failed crucial new NCEA tests on their first attempt last year failed again on their second attempt.
Forget deciles: The new way schools will be grouped
The Education Ministry has come up with a new method of grouping schools with similar socio-economic student levels.
Massey won't rule out further cuts amid $41m deficit
Massey University expects to record a smaller loss than forecast for 2023 - but is still likely to make further deficits before it achieves financial stability.
Funding shortfall expected as enrolments rise - documents
The Tertiary Education Minister has made a Budget bid to plug a gap in funding for projected growing enrolments.
Universities could run out of money - briefing
Some New Zealand unis are at risk of running out of cash to pay their bills this year, a Tertiary Education Commission briefing warns.
Classes easily putting in an hour a day of reading, writing and maths - principals
Schools say they are having no trouble meeting the government's decree that they teach reading, writing and maths for an hour a day each on average.
Neurodiverse kids struggle with phone ban
Some neurodiverse children are struggling with the government's 'away for the day' ban on phones in schools.
School enrolment rules called 'heavy-handed and unnecessary'
Some schools' requirements are excessive and likely denying kids access to their local school, say advocates.
Universities 'positive' about enrolments after tough financial year
Universities are watching enrolments closely as they try to recover from their worst year on record.
Education minister wants evidence about what works in schools
Erica Stanford says there will be changes for initial teacher education, the education ministry, school property, and the curriculum Audio
How phone bans at schools are working
Schools have been open for just a few days, but many have already adopted the government's ban on mobile phones before it comes into force.
Government urged to tackle disparities for Māori, Pacific and disabled students
In their briefings to incoming ministers, education agencies also highlighted serious financial challenges.
NCEA pass rates down third straight year
The Qualifications Authority said three years of Covid-related disruption were probably to blame.