Hon. Dr. Peter Sharples, our guest blogger today, writes in his capacity as Associate Minister of Education.
“Tēna koutou katoa.
New Zealand Gifted Awareness Week provides the opportunity to raise awareness of gifted and talented learners; and for all of us to work together to raise the skill and confidence of teachers to support all gifted students. We all have a role to play to support these special learners, particularly Māori, Pasifika and learners who need additional support.
The Ministry of Education provides Professional Learning and Development (PLD) for teachers of gifted and talented learners. It focuses on improving achievement for gifted and talented students particularly for Māori students, Pasifika students, and students who have special education needs.
The commitment to our potentially great thinkers, innovators and community leaders to realise their potential sets a great foundation for their and our future. I look forward seeing the progress these learners and the profession are making to ensure these learners have the best possible chance of success, now and in the future.”
This post is part of the #NZGAW Blog Tour.
Creatingcurriculum's Blog 
Fantastic to have statements from most political parties, and I am pleased to see this from Min Sharples. It would be great to know more about the PLD being provided, and I assume the gifted community will hear more in the near future from the providers.
Thanks to all the political parties who have supported Gifted Awareness Week. This is an important time to reflect on Gifted Education in NZ and where it is heading in the future. Action today leads to results in the future… 🙂
“The Ministry of Education provides Professional Learning and Development (PLD) for teachers of gifted and talented learners. It focuses on improving achievement for gifted and talented students particularly for Māori students, Pasifika students, and students who have special education needs.”
I’m sorry but that’s lovely in theory but in reality – its not happening for many – especially for those in Decile 1 and 2 schools where its needed desperately. There’s quite a bit out there if you’ve got the money to pay for it – which we can’t. The teachers at my daughters school seemed unaware that there was anything available – I’m not convinced they wanted to know either. We had our daughter enrolled in the Maori enrichment class as well but the “way things are done” made no allowances for anybody outside the box. And even though our child is Aspergers – there was still no flexibility – no real effort to meet her needs. Gifted children are very much outside the box – Aspergers even more so. These kids are being let down by the lack of flexibility in attitude and procedure.
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