September 26, 2016
Easy passes not good for student future
More Maori may be passing NCEA, but new analysis shows that doesn't mean a clear path to higher education and well paid jobs.
In 2015 the official statistics show Maori, Pasifika and low-decile students were less likely to take academic subjects than Pakeha, Asian and high-decile students.
They were more likely to be enrolled in vocational subjects, which were not university-approved, such as learning skills suitable for hospitality, tourism and retail.
Just 44 per cent of Maori decile 1 students took academic or achievement standards for NCEA level 2, the lowest participation rate of any group.
Only 8 percent took Level 2 science, compared with 30 percent of Level 10 Asian students.
Labour's education spokesperson Chris Hipkins says the data shows Maori and Pasifika students are being encouraged to do less academic subjects to fulfil government targets rather than engage in meaningful learning that will equip them for success.
National wants 85 percent of students to get NCEA Level 2.
Mr Hipkins says students leave school with a piece of paper that doesn't equip them for further study, training or employment.
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