Small class sizes have been hailed as one of the key conditions to charter school success in a first report into how the controversial education model is working.
The report, by consultancy MartinJenkins on behalf of the Ministry of Education, found early evidence the schools are developing innovative solutions for their communities, with schools enjoying the flexibility of the funding model.
Having specialist board members rather than parents was also considered a positive of the model, alongside clear vision and the use of "business principles" to succeed.
Charter, or Partnership Schools, were introduced to New Zealand as part of the ACT Party's confidence and supply agreement with the National Government. The schools are privately run and publicly funded. Five opened in 2014 and four this year, all in either Auckland or Northland.
Initial ERO reports have shown that several of the nine schools are performing well, although Te Kura Hourua ki Whangaruru in Northland is still under threat of closure due to ongoing governance and financial problems.
The first in a multi-year evaluation of the schools was released today. Consultants reviewed the literature on the schools and conducted site visits where they spoke to staff, students and parents.
Key areas of innovation were the governance and management structures, where specialists were brought onto the board rather than parents; and where the administration and academic functions were separated, leaving principals to focus on teaching and learning.
There were also positives around staffing and teaching, particularly with class sizes, the report said.
"Sponsors and management told us that the relatively small school/kura rolls and small class sizes enable staff to build and maintain close relationships with students," it read.
It said small numbers allowed for good pastoral care and a focus on the individual.
Students also enjoyed the small sizes, with one saying: "We get to know each other and our teachers well."
The report said maintaining those small class sizes may be a challenge as the schools grow.
The evaluation found having strong vision was also important, and that the funding model encouraged innovation and "risk taking". Charter schools are funded in bulk, unlike state schools which receive specific funding across a range of expenses - staff, buildings, operations, etc.
The model was recently adjusted after criticism it was paying the schools at a much higher rate than in the public sector. Charters will now receive lower start-up costs and will be expected to partner with outside investors.
The evaluation said barriers to the success of the charter schools included a negative public perception of the schools, some limited facilities and a short lead-in time to opening.
- By Kirsty Johnston of the New Zealand Herald
