Transient levels “remain steady” despite housing crisis, says MOE

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has responded to publicity about the plight of children living in cars, saying that levels of transience are “steady”.

In a statement on its website, the Ministry stated, “While transience can set some students back, moving schools shouldn’t be a barrier to learning.”

A transient student is one who moves schools more than twice a year.

There are about 3,780 transient students; that’s five in every 1,000 students.

“Levels of transience have been fairly static over recent years apart from a spike because of the Christchurch earthquakes. At the same time achievement statistics for NCEA levels one to three for all students show continuous improvement since 2008.

“Teachers are trained to assess a student’s learning needs and tailor teaching to those needs including supporting children who are new to a school.

“We assist schools to help them do this by putting systems in place to ensure schools can support students who move. The ENROL system allows schools to share information about where students are up to in their learning – key to ensuring a smooth transition and minimise potential disruption.”

The MOE says some schools also offer online tuition for courses of study others have flexible timetabling options so that students can access the content they may not have covered in their previous schools.

‘Schools around the country are coming together to form Communities of Learning so they can work together and share their best teaching ideas.

“These communities allow schools to collaborate more closely on priorities. These may include ensuring students go to school and supporting those who may have learning challenges due to difficulties caused by moving schools.”