Identity, language and culture

The innovative use of ICT can be used to enhance professional development. Pakaraka School has created an environment where everyone is a learner. It uses ICT to capture the weekly lesson of a visiting teacher of Te Reo Māori. (Extract from ‘Te ManaKōrero: Strengthening Professional Practice’, 2005).

Developing an inclusive curriculum. At Rotorua Lakes and Greymouth High Schools, student and whānau knowledge is validated through its introduction into the context for learning. (Extract from ‘Te Mana Kōrero: Strengthening Professional Practice’, 2005).

Rotorua Lakes High School and neighbouring Mokoia Intermediate have established a collaborative learning community where they share professional development opportunities. The process of developing better relationships with students began with asking the students what the issues were. (Extract from ‘Te ManaKōrero: Strengthening Professional Practice’, 2005).

At Ruawai Primary School and Kapiti College, whānau knowledge is valued as teachers construct contexts for learning that reflect the cultural significance and history of their location.

School leaders need to respond positively, and in a culturally-appropriate way, so that Māori students can realise their potential.

In light of the education system’s failure to address the needs of Māori students, educators need to learn how to engage those students more effectively, in all aspects of their learning.

The video clips for Te Mana Kōrero focus on the need to build, and sustain, strong and effective school-whānau partnerships, in order to raise Māori student achievement. Such partnerships are characterised by both parties respecting and valuing each other's perspectives and contributions.

This clip shows what Taihape Area School has done to create links between the school and its community, to establish a partnership, thereby giving effect to the requirements in TheNew Zealand Curriculum to accommodate local needs and consult with the community.

In this clip we hear a range of perspectives on what is needed to sustain the changes made at Taihape Area School. Participants discuss the importance of putting students first, and engaging with the community.

This clip looks at changes that Taihape Area School made to its timetable, option lines, and the structure of lessons – in order to better engage Māori students.