Cambridge Branch NS meeting with Martin Thrupp

Yesterday afternoon the NZEI Cambridge Branch held a National Standards meeting with Professor Martin Thrupp from Waikato University. Martin has been at the forefront of the NS debate. The meeting attendance surpassed expectations, around 130 people attended. This consisted mainly of Principals and Teachers however a significant minority of Board of Trustee members and interested parents also appeared. We got to hear Martin present his views about the National Standards package. His conclusion was that, as far as possible, implementation of the package should be resisted. Once it is in place, it will take on its own momentum and change the culture of education. Should the government be successful with implementing the NS in some form, every effort should be made to modify the package so as to cause least damage to our education system. At the end of the meeting NZEI resources were made available to people to take up and use. A significant number of NS petitions, school pledge sheets and information flyers were taken. The NZEI NS Bus tour through Cambridge, on Wednesday 3 March, was highlighted as an opportunity for schools to rally around and support. The local newspaper turned up to report the meeting. We are unsure how they found out about the event as it was not promoted as a public forum and publicity material was only sent to Cambridge schools. This did not however appear to be a problem although it did suprise some people. Further meetings with Martin Thrupp will occur in Taumarunui, Tokoroa, Taupo and Hamilton.