Learning Better Together Seminars

Seminars in Northwest Auckland and Whangarei are the latest in our Learning Better Together Seminar series. These seminars on inclusive practice are for school leaders, parents and anyone else intersted in developing schools that include, value and teach all students well.

Northwest Auckland

When:  Monday 28th May 2012

Where: North Harbour Stadium, Albany

For more details and information on how to register see the seminar invitation

Whangarei

When: Wednesday 30th May 2012

Where: Toll Stadium, Whangarei

For more details and information on how to register see the seminar invitation

Choice in education

4 May 2012 

CCS Disability Action has recently released a report "Families Choices: Choosing Schools for Disabled Children" that suggests the choice of education for disabled children may in fact be an "illusion" for some parents.

Families that have applied for ORS (Ongoing Resource Scheme) said that they found the enrollment process emotionally stressful, time-consuming, financially draining and impacted negatively on siblings. Many parents had to enrol their children in distant schools. The report also looks at significant barriers disabled children face in their education.

Morning Report on Radio New Zealand National featured an interview with parents and the Ministry of Education's response to the report.  

Charter Schools & the government's agenda

for education

What's in it for children with special needs?

 NZEI and IHC are holding forum around the country to discuss how the learning needs of children, particularly those with special needs, may be impacted by the Government's plan for charter schools and new "accountability measures".     

Next forum: 17th May 2012 in Christchurch.

To download a copy of  the invitation  to the Christchurch Forum click here. RSVP by 11th May.

A third Forum is also planned for Auckland, details to follow.

NZEALS is a nationwide organisation engaging with educational leadership issues, best practice and research relevant to all sectors of the education system: early childhood, primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions and Government education organisations. The conference theme Educational leadership for creative learning and caring communities highlights the innovative and holistic aspects of public education which are believed to be vitally important for the nation’s economic growth and social well-being. An exciting programme is planned, including five keynote speakers and a range of presentation options for delegates to choose from. 

For more information go to the conference website

PRESS RELEASE: Charter Schools 

9 December 2011

 IEAG is deeply concerned at the National Government's proposal to introduce charter schools, as such a s move is likely to discriminate against disabled children. Evidence from countries where charter schools have been implemented shows charter schools have a poor record of including disabled students.  For more information read our press release.  

Disability Studies Conference: Everybody In

 Keynote speakers were  Anne Hawker, President of Rehabilitation International, Professor Patricia O'Brien, Chair in Disability Studies and Director, Centre for Disability Studies, University of Sydney and Dr Tom Shakespeare, author, social scientist, bioethicist and editor of the World Report on Disabililty.

Disability Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the experiences, perspectives, rights and leadership of disabled people. Interpreting disability within a social justice framework, Disability Studies encourages the exploration of disability issues across a wide range of disciplines as well as different socio-cultural, political, economic, historical, legal, health and educational context. The aim of the conference is for people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to share their knowledge and research with others.

For more information visit their website www.otago.ac.nz/disabilitystudiesconference

Index for Inclusion

A new edition is now available  

The Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education (CSIE) has released the third edition of the Index for Inclusion. The Index has been substantially revised and includes a CD. Written by Tony Booth and Mel Ainscow, it aims to support the self-review of all aspects of a school to create a inclusive development plan and  then put it into action. The Index has been distributed to all schools in England, translated into 37 languages and adapted for use in many countries around the world. To find out more about the Index and order a copy visit the CSIE website 

Narrative Assessments

A really useful resource

The Ministry of Education, with the University of Canterbury has developed an excellent resource called Narrative Assessment: a guide for teachers.  Narrative Assessment looks at ways to support students who are working at level 1 of the New Zealand Curriculumthrough learning stories. For more information about this resource and to see examples of learning stories, click here