22 Jun 2012

Maori values sought for national standards

12:02 pm on 22 June 2012

An organisation representing Maori language schools says it's in talks with the Ministry of Education to ensure Maori values are reflected in national standards.

The standards cover reading, writing and maths - and provide information that allow teachers, parents, families and whanau to get a clear picture of how well their tamaiti (child) is learning.

But Kura Kaupapa Maori says the existing framework for the reports does not tell the whole story of how tamariki are developing as people.

Kura Kaupapa Maori tumuaki (president) Toni Waho says discussions with the Crown to have the standards reflect Maori values are going well.

He's hoping to achieve a good result for parents.

Mr Waho says parents want to be confident that their children are progressing.

Te Runanga Nui o Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori o Aotearoa acts for 64 kura - representing 80% of the total immersion Maori language schools established by the Government.