has been made. ERO’s 2014 evaluation of a sample of 152 schools found that 78%
were “mostly inclusive”, compared to 50% in 2010.
81.
However, ERO also reported that only half of the schools in the sample were effective
in promoting achievements and outcomes of students.41 ERO went on to issue broad
recommendations for schools and the Ministry of Education focused at improving the
use of achievement data, increasing teacher capability, and improving the information
available to school boards.42
82.
Success for All has now concluded and is yet to be succeeded by a new inclusive
education policy or strategy. While the Ministry of Education has affirmed the
application of the inclusive education principles of Article 24 of the Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to primary and secondary schools43, the
Education Act 1989 is yet to be updated to explicitly include or reflect those
principles.
83.
Parliament’s Education and Science Select Committee is currently commencing an
Inquiry into the identification of and support for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia,
and autism spectrum disorders. The Inquiry may have significant implications for the
education sector. A considerable number of students in New Zealand schools are
affected by dyslexia (approximately 10% of the school population) and dyspraxia
(6%). Students with autistic spectrum disorders are estimated to constitute around 1%.
Recommendation
84. The Committee may wish to consider including the following question in its List
of Issues for the New Zealand Government:
What future measures does the Government intends to take to achieve a
fully inclusive education system, now that the Success for All programme
has concluded?
9. Special Protection Measures
Youth Justice
41
Education Review Office, Inclusive practices for students with special needs in schools, March 2015, page 2,
page 28 accessed http://ero.govt.nz/National-Reports/Inclusive-practices-for-students-with-special-needs-inschools-March-2015/National-report-summary
42
Education Review Office, ibid p3-4
43
Ministry of Education, Supports and Services for Learners with Special Education Needs/Disabilities April
2012
22