Teachers’ union NZEI Te Riu Roa has welcomed a new report that outlines a plan for Te Reo Māori to become a core curriculum subject.
Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) commissioned the NZCER report, which proposes raising the status and increasing the use of Te Reo by making it a core curriculum subject beginning in year one 1 in 2020 until it is included in all levels up to year 13 by 2037.
NZEI president Lynda Stuart says teachers understand the importance of nurturing Te Reo for all New Zealanders but often do not feel equipped or confident enough to teach it effectively.
“This proposal is a good move and a strong plan that can be implemented effectively over time as teachers are supported to increase their Te Reo proficiency,” she says.
“We encourage the government to embrace this proposal and resource it to become a reality.
“Normalising Te Reo makes learning more inclusive for Māori children and must be part of our commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.”
Which subject will they drop/decrease to make room in an already stuffed schedule?
I love this idea, however, there will be a huge need for Te Reo Language training for ALL teachers to enable those in the higher years (after 2020) to be able to cope and to be able to add value to their students’ learning. With an already overloaded curriculum, what will give?