from Jerry Mintz
For decades, Tamariki School in New Zealand has stood as a beacon to the whole world, demonstrating that it is possible to have a terrific, publicly funded, learner-centered democratic school. Incredibly, this school is now under attack by those same government agencies for whom the school has brought such renown. Apparently the misguided and mostly discredited international scourge of “testing, accountability” and authoritarian, top-down administration has finally hit New Zealand. Ironically, this attack may actually signal that it may not be possible to have a publicly funded, student empowering and learner-friendly school. Let's not let that happen.
I had the good fortune of seeing the school myself when they hosted the 2002 International Democratic Education Conference. The school is great, that’s all there is to it. And it must be left alone so it can continue to do its good work.
If you agree with this, or have even seen the school or its staff members yourself, please write to the officials in whose hands the decisions lies. The information on how to take action and a sample letter you can send in seconds is below. Read a news item on the situation here.
- Secretary of Education Peter Hughes: Peter.Hughes@minedu.govt.nz
- Minister of Education Hekia Parata: h.parata@ministers.govt.nz
- Regional Manager, Education Curriculum and Performance Liz Ely: Elizabeth.ely@minedu.govt.nz
- The Press: reporters@press.co.nz
- Copysend Tamariki director, Di Scullin: dscullin@clear.net.nz
This is a draft. Please feel free to use it or adapt it as you want.
(Introduce yourself and say where you are from/what organisation you represent)
Tamariki School is highly regarded internationally as one of the first schools to take up the child centered approach, started by A.S. Neill with Summerhill, recognising that each child is different and follows a unique developental path.
Tamariki is part of an international education movement of schools which operate on democratic principles and allow children the freedom to determine their own learning progression. One size does not fit all and there needs to be room for innovation and difference in education. The school has been operating within this philosophy successfully for 46 years.
Tamariki has been recognised as an educational leader in democratic and alternative education. It has hosted both an international (International Democratic Education Conference in 2002 and the Australasian Association for Progressive and Alternative Education Conference in 2010. These have given Tamariki international recognition and have drawn together people from all over the world and the Australasian area.
I/We request that the Ministry of Education continues to support the Integration Agreement that was signed in 1990 and allow this internationally respected school to continue to deliver an education of a type required by their unique Special Character.
