The amendments consider concerns raised in a review of the Teaching Council
The government has presented amendments to the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill for consideration by the Committee of the Whole House this week.
According to education minister Erica Stanford, the bill passed its second reading last Thursday 14 May.
“The whole House will discuss the proposed amendments that build on the bill’s intent to modernise and enhance key parts of the education system. These additional proposals ensure the legislation keeps pace with the needs of learners, educators, and institutions”, she said in a media release.
The proposed reforms, which focus on the Teaching Council, are as follows:
The following amendments cover students who are homeschooled and reside in school hostels:
“Since the introduction of the Bill, the Debbie Francis review of the council and the Public Service Commission inquiry into the Teaching Council’s conflicts of interest and procurement processes have highlighted the need to further strengthen the form and function of the Teaching Council”, Stanford said. “I am deeply concerned by the Francis Review finding that child safety is not clearly centred as the council’s purpose, and that the council lacks clarity in its role and does not appear to see itself as a system regulator”.
She added that per the Public Service Commission’s inquiry, the council displayed major governance and internal oversight gaps that resulted in “serious shortcomings” in processes.
“These findings indicate the need for serious structural reform to build the council’s capacity and make sure it is focused on its core business: protecting child safety and assuring quality teaching”, Stanford said.
