Alternative Education

1. Alternative Education Jacqui Beets & Debra Wood

2. Introduction • This infomercial accompanies the document – Alternative Education in New Zealand • We will discuss the pros and cons of alternative education • We will show how alternative education is as valid and appropriate as a state school’s • We are aware that laws and policy surrounding private schools are currently under review and this review is due in March 2010

3. Alternative Education Click on a picture to view different types of education available. Summary Use the arrows and icons here to help navigate

4. Overview • Alternative education programmes have had a healthy impact on the forming of the new NZ Curriculum document • Constructivist thinking becoming part of 'state' controlled education is a major step forward from the old "heads down, bottoms up" approach of symbol processing, book and rote learning • According to constructivists such as Cole & Bruner a large part of what we are currently teaching is- ‘how to do school’ • These and other 'alternative thinkers' have paved the way forward for a new 'exciting' curriculum document that will allow teachers to ignite their students not extinguish their spirit   

5. Private Schools • Not bound by the National Curriculum • Independent but can receive up to 25% of running costs • Funded by parent fees and donations • Free to practice innovative approaches to education • Many offer alternatives to NCEA ADVANTAGES • Smaller classes • Individualised attention for students • Strong pastoral care • Traditional values • Innovative practice • High academic, cultural and sporting achievement DISADVANTAGES • Elitist • High cost

6. Rudolf Steiner – Waldorf Schools • Holistic, spiritual education but not of a particular religion • Balances scientific, aesthetic and moral values • Classes are a synthesis of science, art and religion • Three stages 0-7, 7-14 & 14-21 • Students are given a sense of their own unique destiny • Interested parties should view Steiner’s philosophy of anthroposophy ADVANTAGES • Holistic, whole child education • World wide network • Same teacher over long period • Deep understanding of topics at senior level DISADVANTAGES • Artistic bias • Whole life philosophy • Cult status

7. Montessori • Education should be intriguing and delightful not structured • Inquiry and research based • Focus on a positive environment and self correction • Students live and learn in a natural, mixed-age group • Works in gifted and talented programmes, and for children with disabilities of all kinds • Many parents are using Montessori methods to raise/ educate their children at home ADVANTAGES • Student encouraged to learn at own pace • Freedom to move and work on a topic of interest • Work for the joy of work and discovery • Co-operation encouraged • Emphasis on real world learning DISADVANTAGES • Child may not want to work • Wide differences between schools • Resource dependent • Areas of curriculum may be missed

8. Teenage Parents Teenage parents typically face: • Social stigma • Financial, physical, mental and emotional distress • Strained family, partner, and peer relationships • Lack of preparation for parenting • Limited educational opportunities • Limited career prospects New Zealand has a high and steadily-increasing teenage pregnancy rate. Teen Parent Programmes address these needs. More

9. Formed in 2002 by APTENZ (Association of Teen Parent Educators of New Zealand) Provide ongoing or “second chance” education Supportive environment Free preschool childcare Currently 20 member schools throughout New Zealand Funded by Ministry of Education and service organisations, e.g. Zonta Curriculum covers English, Maths, ICT, parenting, nutrition, and a Correspondence option Programmes offer a valid educational opportunity: “They believed in me – they gave me a second chance at learning … They gave me a lot of confidence and motivation” (Teen parent now studying at Teacher’s College) Teen Parent Programmes

10. Religious Schools • Have their ‘faith’ at the core of their teaching philosophy • Free to teach subject matter as their faith dictates • There are a wide range of religious schools including- • Catholic • Adventist • Christian Fundamentalist • Muslim • Unrestricted by NZ Curriculum ADVANTAGES • In keeping with religious community beliefs • No conflict of ideology or beliefs • Smaller classes • Family orientated • Strong school, family partnership DISADVANTAGES • Dogma - Single belief or faith taught, other religions are not an option • Subject content can be restricted to 'fit' with religious beliefs • Encourages isolation and encapsulates a community

11. The Correspondence School The Correspondence School provides distance education based on the New Zealand Curriculum up to Year 13 Tutors and course material may be accessed on-line, by email, and via post Support for supervisors and students is available, including regional events and teacher meetings More

12. Free - To Year 9-13 students via the following “gateways”: Gifted and talented Isolation/itinerancy/ overseas Young parents Alienated from school system In corrective or CYF custody Excluded/ suspended Psychological/social needs Fees payable: Students over 16 years who fall outside the gateways may enrol as adults, paying $100 per subject. Students under 16 years pay over $800 per subject. Who Can Access The Correspondence School? Dual-enrolment through secondary schools via the following gateways: • Gifted and talented • Special needs • Special circumstances (e.g. teen parent, overseas student) • School is small or understaffed More

13. ADVANTAGES Individualized learning Suits self-motivated students Materials appeal to visual learners Gifted students may accelerate their education Flexible study times and locations Increased family and leisure time Freedom from undesirable school culture (i.e. bullying)  Being part of a unique school culture DISADVANTAGES High course fees for those outside the “gateway” criteria Isolation & socialization issues Motivation difficulties Careful time-planning required Lack of teacher assistance Caregiver supervision required Some subjects not offered (e.g. Drama, Dance) The Correspondence School: pros and cons

14. Home Schooling • Diverse groups cluster under the terms Home Schooling, Home Education and Unschooling • Education at home has always been legal but a Ministry of Education exemption is required • Home educators must show that the student will be taught “as regularly and well as in a registered school,” and must provide evidence of regularity, routine, and a suitable programme • The Education Review Office checks student progress More

15. Religion/Philosophy Learning difficulties/special needs students Distance from a local school Schooling costs Lifestyle, including itinerancy Dissatisfaction with mainstream school systems, curriculum, teaching standards, or policies Students who are bullied, unhappy, or who do not “fit in” to mainstream schools A desire for more family time Health reasons Gifted or talented students Suspension Despite their differences, home educators agree that valid and appropriate education takes place outside a school, with parents or caregivers as facilitators of a student’s individual learning. Why home-educate?a few of the many reasons … More

16. ADVANTAGES: Flexibility and control over learning content, timing, methods Encourages autonomy, promotes individuality and creativity Allows time to discover and pursue true interests Suits self-directed learners Increased family time and strengthened family relationships Increased opportunity for outside-the- classroom learning A “green alternative” – no transport or uniform requirements DISADVANTAGES: One parent must be at home to supervise lessons – a financial burden for some families Resources must be sourced or purchased and may be costly or inappropriate for New Zealand use Gaining NCEA credits can be problematic Correspondence School lessons can be purchased but at a cost-prohibitive price for many Peer socialization may be an issue Home Schooling – pros and cons

17. “Alternative Education” A Ministry of Education programme for 13-15 year-olds who have become 'lost' or alienated from the education system. Aims to help students re-enter mainstream education or (if over 16) to enter a pre-employment training course. Administered through Alternative Learning Centres run by charitable and social service organisations. Government funding covers some costs; others are met through donations, fundraising, and bequests. Student backgrounds are typically characterized by: • Suspension, truanting, dropping out • Serious behavioural issues, including crime • Drug and alcohol problems • Psychological disorder • Abusive, traumatic or dysfunctional environments More

18. “Alternative Learning Centres”: a representative overview Wellington City Mission’s “Alternative Education Secondary School” Offers educational, recreational and life-skills subjects, counselling, personal support, advocacy, and mentoring to at-risk 13-17 year olds. Students are helped to identify, understand and deal with their problems. Waipareira Alternative Education Unit, Auckland The first and largest unit of its kind in New Zealand. Aims to teach basic literacy and numeracy skills and resolve behavioural, physical and emotional issues. Challenge College, Wellington A Christian-based structured programme focusing on numeracy, literacy, life skills, and a variety of arts and sports. “… my life was going down the tubes … I was arrogant, selfish and always getting into fights. … the Challenge 2000 team have been a great influence on me and have helped me change for the better. ” (Tim, 17 years old) More

19. ADVANTAGES Holistic courses centred on wellbeing and positive lifestyle choices Individual learning programmes Positive adult attentionSmall whanau-style learning units Encouragement to achieve meaningful objectives Students may work at their own level and pace Staff provide ethnic role models DISADVANTAGES Entry criteria apply Student behaviours make maintenance of a safe learning environment challenging Limited curriculum Peer socialising opportunities limited to those in the group Centres may be distant from students’ communities “Alternative Education” Programmes – pros and cons

20. Regional Health Schools Established by the Ministry of Education in 2000 for students with high health needs. Based in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Students remain on their regular school roll and are taught at home, in hospital or at their regular school. Teachers adapt individual education programmes (IEPs) based on: • The student's learning needs • Their regular school programme • The New Zealand Curriculum Framework Programmes may include: • One-to-one tuition • Accessing the resources of The Correspondence School • Assisting with the transition of students back to their regular school More

21. ADVANTAGES Students are supported to continue or resume their education Specialised individual programmes developed or adapted to suit student needs One-on-one teacher time DISADVANTAGES Isolation, loneliness Students may miss former peers, schools, teachers, learning styles Unwell students may lack stamina to enjoy or participate in learning Not all subjects are offered Regional Health Schools –Pros and Cons

22. Summary As seen, there is a diverse range of educational opportunities available in New Zealand. In light of the current review we believe: • this diversity should be maintained. • more parents and students should be made aware of available options. • a culture of openness, positive communication, and mutual respect should be fostered between mainstream and alternative schooling. • awareness and training should be provided for management and teachers in recognising “at risk” students who would benefit from these alternatives.

23. May The Force Be With You! “It's not what is poured into a student that counts, but what is planted.”-Linda Conway "Education is not the filling of a bucket, rather, the lighting of a fire." William Butler Yeats "Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, let them go forth in freedom." Rudolf Steiner “Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” Malcom S. Forbes   “It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.“ - Albert Einstein "We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry." - Maria Montessori

24. References and Contacts For further information see ‘References’ and ‘Contacts’ pages on the web site