Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Table of Contents
- General Information
- Key Issues
- Q: What are the main issues highlighted by the campaign?
- Q: Where does the information about these issues come from?
- Q: What does the high standdown rate for Māori students indicate?
- Q: Why is the incarceration rate of former students concerning?
- Q: What are the specific issues with the school’s facilities?
- Q: How has staff turnover affected the school?
- Q: What inconsistencies have been identified in assessment practices?
- Engagement and Participation
- Additional Information
- Media Inquiries
General Information
Q: What is the "Naenae College - Out of Touch, Too Much Risk" campaign about?
A: This campaign aims to raise awareness and advocate for positive changes at Naenae College to address concerning issues and improve the educational experience for all students. We seek to foster open dialogue among students, families, school administration, and the wider community to collaboratively develop solutions for a better, equitable, and safe learning environment.
Q: What are the main goals of the campaign?
A: Our primary goals are:
Ensure equitable treatment and support for Māori students
Implement programs to keep at-risk students engaged and out of the criminal justice system
Address underlying issues contributing to high behavioral incidents
Maintain student bathrooms and facilities in clean, working condition
Improve staff retention through better support and professional development
Standardize assessment practices to be fair and consistent for all students per NZQA guidelines
Key Issues
Q: What are the main issues highlighted by the campaign?
A: The campaign focuses on several critical issues, including:
Disproportionately high standdown rates for Māori students
High number of former students ending up incarcerated
Numerous behavioral incidents in recent years
Unsanitary student bathrooms despite significant investment
High staff turnover and short average tenure
Inconsistent assessment practices identified by NZQA
Q: Where does the information about these issues come from?
A: The information has been retrieved under the Official Information Act 1982. The College has previously attempted to withhold this information unlawfully, but it has been published after improper redaction.
Q: What does the high standdown rate for Māori students indicate?
A: The disproportionately high standdown rates for Māori students suggest systemic issues within the school's disciplinary practices. It indicates that Māori students are being unfairly targeted or not receiving the support they need to succeed, leading to higher rates of disciplinary actions.
Q: Why is the incarceration rate of former students concerning?
A: A high incarceration rate among former students points to failures within the school's support systems and educational programs. It suggests that the school is not adequately preparing students for life after school or providing the necessary support to keep at-risk students out of the criminal justice system.
Q: What are the specific issues with the school’s facilities?
A: The school's facilities are in poor condition due to years of financial mismanagement. Issues include unsanitary bathrooms, crumbling buildings, and a lack of adequate maintenance, all of which create an unsafe and unhealthy environment for students.
Q: How has staff turnover affected the school?
A: High staff turnover and short average tenure disrupt the continuity of education, leading to instability within the teaching staff. This affects student learning outcomes and contributes to a lack of cohesive school culture.
Q: What inconsistencies have been identified in assessment practices?
A: The NZQA has identified inconsistencies in resubmission practices, where some teachers offer resubmissions to all students regardless of their grades. This practice creates unfair advantages and undermines the integrity of the assessment process.
Engagement and Participation
Q: Is the campaign affiliated with Naenae College?
A: No, this campaign is not affiliated with or endorsed by Naenae College. It is an independent initiative aiming to advocate for positive changes through democratic student participation.
Q: How can parents and community members support the campaign?
A: Parents and community members can support the campaign by participating in discussions, contacting school officials to express concerns, and promoting the campaign’s goals within their networks.
Additional Information
Q: How can students contribute to the campaign?
A: Students can contribute by sharing their experiences, participating in discussions, and joining campaign activities. Their voices are crucial in advocating for the changes needed to improve their educational environment.
Q: What is meant by "too much risk"?
A: "Too much risk" refers to the various safety, health, and educational risks posed by the current state of the school, including the poor condition of facilities, high behavioral incidents, and inadequate support for students and staff.
Q: How does the campaign aim to foster a positive school culture?
A: By addressing underlying issues, promoting equitable treatment, improving facilities, and supporting staff and students, the campaign aims to create a more positive, inclusive, and supportive school culture.
Q: Why does the campaign describe the school as "out of touch"?
A: The campaign describes the school as "out of touch" due to its failure to address critical issues affecting students and its lack of responsiveness to the needs of the school community.
Media Inquiries
Q: Can media use the multimedia assets from the campaign website?
See our Media page for more information.
Q: How can media get in touch for more information or interviews?
See our Media page for more information.
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