So here is a pondering woman. In pond (water) by the looks. I guess that blocks out all of the noises from those things that would interfere with that pond-ering.:)
_______________________________________
I have spoken to a few Officers around the country and the question on my mind is.
What percentage of Schools do you work with within your areas?
The answer from most is below 50%.
I know in my area its about 38%.
So here we have a system approaching. The (so called) New Attendance Service, that will have eventual connection to ALL Schools (100%) .
Now the thought her is (correct me if I'm wrong). The current funding allocated to the New Service (so called) is the same funding currently allocated to the 'current' District Truancy Services and the Non Enrolled Truancy Services? Oh! and we are told some extra is to be allocated. Again correct me if I'm wrong - wasn't that gobbled up by Schools new data systems? So tell me. How does this all compute?
Isnt there going to be just a wee 'shortfall' in funding? Say 60 to 70% (about 62% in my areas) Most DTS and NETS are pretty busy in a year and have been over the past years that the services have operated. I guess the work load will DOUBLE for the same amount of money.
Now just to add to the equation. The Ministry of Education in our fare land of New Zealand, under political pressure from the Minister of Education (NOT an educator I am told) have put the New Attendance Service (so called) up for grabs/Tender to the Public Sector. GETS (Government Electronic Tender Site).
These people and please don't get me wrong, are very dedicated to helping our young people back into education, have NO IDEA of the real work involved. I know this as I have spoken to a few of them. Anyway as said. Just food for thought.
Ah! you noticed after I mentioned the New Attendance Service, I have in in brackets (so called). Well....I base this statement on the Environmental Scan we had to do for the Ministry of Education... that's a report of us telling them who, where, how to contact, time used etc, of ALL our providers over the duration of our existence..... This information will be passed on if need be to the NEW Provider as WE the District Truancy Services are the .
Quote - The MoE acknowledges that current DTS providers are the repositories of knowledge and expertise regarding supporting schools to return students to education in a timely manner with appropriate supports) .
Well that's a nice thing to say about us. Thanks for that. So WHY AREN'T YOU LISTENING!
It sounds more like Professional theft to me. The reason you want it IS??
So Guys I would advise as most are doing anyway. Do NOT be our normal PROACTIVE selves, work by referral only. Bide your time, twiddle ya thimbs and think about nice things to keep our anxieties down. You never know we all might be proved wrong...wouldnt that be nice.
Have a GREAT week. Roll on 15th October when all will be revealed?
Hey, they might even do another rollover?
Regards
Stephan D :)