Introduction to the History of New Zealand Education

Introduction to the History of New Zealand Education gives an overview of the New Zealand education system from the nineteenth century to the present. It shows that many educational issues of the past are still concerns today.

The book is aimed at students of education, parents, and teachers, as well as members of the general public who are interested in how factors as diverse as poverty, secularism, sanitation, outdoor education, geographical isolation, and migration have all shaped the system to give it its 'kiwi' character.

It covers a range of topics including unequal educational achievement, the history of teachers and teacher education, Maori education, and new settlers. Specific chapters describe changing attitudes to gender, disability, socio-economic class and ethnicity and how education is affected by these changes. All educational sectors are discussed: early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary. The book contains an introduction by New Zealand's eminent educational historian, Professor Roger Openshaw.

Author Biography: Dr Elizabeth Rata is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at The University of Auckland and a Fulbright Senior Scholar.