54.
The Education and Science Committee issued 46 recommendations focused at
improving screening and early identification processes, supports during school
transitions and best practices and teacher training.59 The minority view of the
Committee report, compromising the views of the parties that comprise the current
Labour-led government, provided 26 additional recommendations. These included
expanding individualised funding, investigating open ended funding based on
learning need, enhanced specialist training and career pathways for teachers, and
legislative change to ensure “an enforceable right to meaningful education.” 60
Recommendation 12
a. Amend the Education Act 1989 to establish a legally enforceable right to an inclusive
education for students with disabilities and corresponding duties upon school boards of
trustees and principals to provide an inclusive education for all students with disabilities.
b. Review and implement the recommendations of the Education and Science Committee’s
Inquiry into the identification and support for students with significant challenges of
dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorder in primary and secondary schools.
c. Include inclusive education targets and goals within the Government’s New Zealand
Disability Strategy and Disability Action Plan, administered by the Office of Disability
Issues. This should include the implementation of a data strategy to accurately capture,
assess and monitor the implementation of inclusive education policies and practice and
disaggregated information on outcomes for disabled students
Protection from Violence and Abuse
ICESCR Arts: 2 | 3
LOIPR Para: 4
55.
SDGs: 5 | 10 | 16
Addressing violence and abuse remains one of New Zealand’s most significant human
rights challenges. The Commission considers that a long-term, high priority, coherent
policy commitment – that is carried over by successive Governments – is required to
sustainably reduce New Zealand’s appalling levels of family violence, which are
among the highest in the developed world.
19