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POLICY ISSUES
This page contains information about the areas which TESOLANZ lobbies for, such as qualifications and immigration.
- TESOLANZ view on changes to Training Opportunities
- University Entrance for ESOL Students
- Proposed National Certificate in ESOL
- Course Approvals for International Students
- New Immigration Rules - 5-Year Stand-Down
- Wrongly Awarded Unit Standards
TESOLANZ view on changes to Training Opportunities
The minimal opportunities for refugees and migrants to learn English are threatened even further by proposed changes to Training Opportunities. See The Wellingtonian and the TESOLANZ press release..
Some documents may be in Office 2007 format. If you do not have Office 2007 you can read them by downloading a compatibility pack from Microsoft.
TESOLANZ submission on draft Level One literacy standards 150210
Letter to Herald - Languages Policy
The Families Commission research identifying language as one of the main barriers for non-Western families coming to New Zealand is no surprise to the members of our organisation.
We encourage new migrants to explore the many options available to them for English language courses provided by qualified teachers. Good courses address cultural issues, while supporting students in maintaining their own language and traditions. Participating in a language course also helps lessen the feelings of alienation by providing a peer group which can share the settling in process.
However, the lack of a consistent language policy may mean that migrants find it difficult to access suitable courses. The credits or qualifications institutions are required to provide may make it unworkable for polytechnics or private schools to offer English language courses, particularly at lower levels. Also, these qualifications may have no relevance for learners. For instance, the pre-payment scheme “English for Migrants”, which is compulsory for some new settlers, requires a qualification at the end of the course even though the qualification may not be of direct value to the learner.
We support the report's finding that there is a role for local government to help facilitate the settlement process. There are also many ways that other New Zealanders can help. A starting point is to look beyond the English language ability of new migrants, and engage with them as neighbours, colleagues, or staff.
Yours faithfully
Hilary Smith
President
University Entrance for ESOL Students
Proposed National Certificate in ESOL
Course Approvals for International Students
New Immigration Rules - 5-Year Stand-Down
TESOLANZ sent a submission on the Immigration Bill and wrote to the Ministers of Ethnic Affairs and Immigration. We have received a reply from Chris Carter (Ethnic Affairs) and now from Clayton Cosgrove, stating that benefit entitlements will not be affected. This means that elderly immigrants will still be able to access training Opportunities programmes.
TESOLANZ Query on Immigration Bill(192 Kb)
Wrongly Awarded Unit Standards
TESOLANZ wrote to NZQA expressing concern about ESOL unit standards which had been awarded to students who were clearly not competent. Our letter was written in March and it has taken some following up, but NZQA has now replied.
If you wish to discuss these issues further, you can
- Set out your viewpoints in the Members' Forum
- Ask the Executive for more action - email the Secretary
- Contact your local Branch or Sector Group
- Write to the Newsletter .