4 November 2010

Attention: Chairperson
Board of Trustees

Re: National Standards – Deferring of setting targets in 2011

1. I am writing to you as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Island Bay School. Our Board
of Trustees is one of more than 225 who have resolved that we will defer setting targets
against National Standards in 2011. We have decided to take this action because of the
significant concerns we have with National Standards.

2. It is of particular concern to us that the New Zealand Principal’s Federation has expressed the
view that it has no confidence in the standards. This position is shared by NZEI and leading
educational academics. Our Board has spent a great deal of time learning and understanding
the Standards and believe that not only will they fail to improve our children’s’ education, but
they will have a negative impact.

3. The purpose of this action is to put pressure on the Minister to defer implementation of
National Standards until such time as there has been an opportunity to review them and to
arrange in a meaningful way with the education sector.

4. It is our hope that other Boards will either join us in deferring the setting of targets against
national standards in 2011, or in expressing their concerns regarding National Standards.

5. I am happy to discuss this issue with you and can be contacted on 021 682 962 or by email:
jane.forrest@terracechambers.co.nz.

Yours faithfully

Jane Forrest
Chairperson

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