SOLDIER TEACHERS' GRADING

Chronicle (Levin), 12 March 1946, Page 6

SOLDIER TEACHERS' GRADING

FACILITIES FOR REVIEW t As. a result Of a eohference between oflicers of the Education Deijartmenl and representatives of the Institute, it has been decided to reconnnend that speeial facilities be provided for the review of soidier teachers' grading. This wili be done by what is to be known as the Adjustmenf''Board whose task will be to correct anomalics which naVe resulted from the absence of teachers on military service. The attention of all ex-servicemen is directed to the notice in the Education Gazette of March 1st announciitg the proposeu setting-up of this Board. it wili appiy to all those who were attested- niemoers of the armed forces during World War II states iVationai Lducation Alaga/Zine. Although a real elfort was made to ensure that the grading of every serviceman was protected during his military service, it is now apparent that Ihere are sonie cases where grading has sulfered. The AdjUstmuut Board will b cliarged with the responsibility oi removing as far as it is humanly possible to do so, the hardship which has been caused in such cases. The objecl behind the method adop ted' during the war years for the grading of soidier teachers wai to retain these servicemen as nearly as possible in the relative posltion which they wouid have had if their teaching service had not been interrupted by war service. it is hoxied by moans of the Adjustment Board to remedy those cases where this objective has not been fuily acliieved. The Adjustment Board will be constituted with oue represcntative each of the Departiuent and the N.Z.E.I.. with an independent chairman. it will sit in each Education Board area coui menciug, it is hox>ed, towards the uiiddle of 1946. Applications from •servicemen who consiuer they have sufL'ell'red liardsluxj should be made by Aprii 1 if possible; but any applications receiyed after that date will not be prejudicod. ludeed, there may be cases where it wiil be to the servicemaii's advantage -to withhuld lns applieation til.l some time after he has resumed his teaching apxiointmeut and has had an opportunily oi proviug his eliiciency. ReguJations are to be enactcd wliicb will give the Adjustment Board full power to ameud grading; it may mataau imniediate decision, esxiecially iii cases ot a technieal nature; or it ina_y defer the decision for a time; but il is not the intention that any grading given during military service be re duced. The Board 's decision oiice made will be lina]. Soidier teachers who consider their grading has been adversely all'ected by their war service should read the Gaz ette notice carefuliy and send in their applications to the Secretary, Adjust meut Board, c/o Education Departnient, Wellington.