The New Zealand Government's current wave of top-down curriculum changes is clashing with the global call for inclusive, student-led learning, NZEI Te Riu Roa said.
"As the world celebrates 'the power of youth in co-creating education' this International Day of Education, our government is moving in the opposite direction," NZEI Te Riu Roa President Ripeka Lessels said.
"This year's theme recognises youth as agents of change, yet the New Zealand Government continues to impose highly prescriptive curriculum models without adequate consultation with teachers or students. Education should be built with our ākonga, not done to them."
Mrs Lessels also said the removal of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations for school boards and the slashing of programmes like Te Ahu o te Reo Māori undermined the goal of making the country's education system more inclusive.
"You cannot empower youth while sidelining the language and culture of ākonga Māori," Mrs Lessels said.
"You also cannot have 'youth power' if disabled students are waiting 116 days – or 64 per cent of the total school year – to access essential learning support or if schools are understaffed."