How We Work

How We Work

Our He Pikorua Practice Principles

He Pikorua is the practice framework that guides the work of learning support practitioners - Ministry of Education and Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)

He Pikorua brings learning support practitioners together alongside whānau and educators to support the learning and well-being of mokopuna.

He Pikorua is a set of principles that help guide us in our work.

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Mokopuna and whānau-centred

Mokopuna and their whānau are at the centre of decisions, actions and practices that affect their interests, goals and well-being.
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Strengths-based

We commit to using holistic, strengths-based approaches which enhance the mana of mokopuna, whānau, kaiako and their community.
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Culturally affirming and responsive

We acknowledge and celebrate the diverse identities, languages and cultures of mokopuna, whānau and kaiako.
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Inclusive

We support mokopuna and whānau to actively contribute and belong within their learning settings and community.
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Ecological

We focus on the important connections between mokopuna, their learning environments and their relationships with others.
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Evidence-informed

We view evidence as the dynamic interaction between research and inquiry, the perspectives and experiences of whānau and mokopuna, and practitioner and kaiako knowledge.
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Collaborative

We work in partnership to develop, share and achieve mutually agreed goals.

Practice

How RTLB facilitate change

01.

We adhere to and action the principles of He Pikorua.

02.

We work collaboratively to provide practical support and advice.

03.

We seek to understand the cultural beliefs of others, and they respect these.

04.

04. We keep mokopuna and their whānau at the centre of decisions, actions, and practices.

05.

05. To enhance the mana of the individual and their community, we use a holistic, strengths-based approach; we focus on what individuals can do, and their potential.

06.

06. We develop and maintain trusting, professional relationships within cluster schools and kura and with parents, whānau, communities, and community agencies.

Professionalism

RTLB have a professional obligation to develop and maintain professional relationships with a diverse range of learners, parents, whānau, caregivers, teachers, schools, kura, and other agencies.

All RTLB work under the NZ Teachers Council Code of Ethics for Registered Teachers which are found here.
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Cultural Responsiveness

New Zealand communities are diverse with many different cultural, ethnic, religious groups. RTLB understand and respect the social and cultural influences on learning in the multi-cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand.

They work to strengthen confidence in cultural identity and connection to parents, whanau, and school communities. RTLB work to develop positive and culturally responsive relationships with students and whanau. They use practices that adapt to learners' cultural values, knowledge and ways of learning. Cultural responsiveness places importance on cultural knowledge and understanding and the right of Maori to define, protect and promote their treasures and resources.

RTLB support the implementation of Ka Hikitia and Tataiako to promote successful outcomes for Maori students. RTLB interventions should acknowledge the family's aspirations for their child's learning through working collaboratively alongside whanau.