The 2009 PPTA conference paper 80, 15, 5 percent: What we know; what they need…provides a detailed look at the issue of challenging learning behaviours in secondary schools.

Programmes that have been proven to be effective are what is needed; programmes that do not work should be dropped. There is evidence about individual interventions that work best with children at different ages. There are school-based programmes that have shown evidence of effectiveness. These need to be looked at, committed to and applied. Research-approved programmes are neither easy to monitor nor quick to implement, and the ultimate test for effectiveness –randomised controlled trials – is seldom achieved in New Zealand.

International evidence suggests that even the most effective in-school behaviour programme is likely to result in a 30–40% decrease in behaviour problems. No programme will be 100% successful.

Download 80,15,5 percent PPTA Annual Conference paper 2009

Best practice behaviour management: A view from the literature (2007)

Presentation to the Issues and Organising seminar (2010) - Behaviour action plan

If there is to be real progress on reducing violence in New Zealand schools a national approach is needed involving not only the school sector but other concerned agencies and government departments and ministries in the Health, Justice, Police and Social Development sectors. To this end PPTA endorses the current initiative of the Ministry of Education in developing a long term plan, with funding priorities and targets for best meeting this ongoing (and growing) area of concern.

Recommendations to Government

1. That a new formula with which to target staffing to students who are at high risk of disengagement and dangerous and disruptive behaviour be investigated.
2. That government significantly increase the resourcing available to schools through targeted funding to reduce the need for stand downs and suspensions in schools with high risk students.
3. That government extend both the funding and the criteria for students eligible for GSE funded interventions in schools.
   That long term non-contestable funding be provided for programmes that have a beneficial impact on students behaviour, learning and achievement.
4. That the full recommendations of the Schools Staffing Review Group 2000 be implemented to provide the staffing resourcing required to create appropriate guidance, support and learning environments to maximise the engagement of high risk students.
5. That the relevant legislation, including the Privacy Act be amended to allow for the sharing of information about students with a history of high risk behaviour that may put members of a school community at risk.
6. That the government support the Ministry of Education to hold a conference in 2009 for the purpose of developing national legislation, policy and/or strategies that will assist secondary schools and their wider communities in dealing with disruptive and anti-social behaviour.