Frequently asked questions
On this page you will find answers to some commonly asked questions about RTLB.
Why have a Memorandum of Agreement?
The Memorandum of Agreement describes roles and responsibilities among the schools in the cluster, and between the cluster and the Ministry of Education. By signing the Memorandum schools commit to the cluster and have access to the RTLB service.
Do clusters have to follow the Policy and Toolkit?
Yes – the Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) Policy and Toolkit (2007) provides the policy for RTLB to which all clusters must adhere. It replaces the previous guidelines, published in 2001, which are now obsolete.
Who is responsible for equitable service provision within a cluster?
Each cluster has a governance and management structure with processes to ensure there is equitable access to the service for all schools. Read the governance and management section of the Policy and Toolkit for more detail.
How can a principal get more RTLB time in the school?
RTLB time is not allocated to a school, but is used for the referrals that have been accepted on to the roll of the RTLB. It is the responsibility of the cluster management committee to ensure that the referral procedures define the process for enrolments across the cluster, giving an equitable service to students with moderate behaviour and learning needs.
How long can an RTLB keep a student on their caseload?
The time a student spends on the RTLB roll will depend on the extent of the child’s needs and the nature of the intervention. Clusters should have a clear and transparent policy to ensure equitable access to the service. Some clusters may still need to develop a process for closure of cases.
How should grants be distributed and used?
There is a detailed chapter in the Policy and Toolkit on grants. Refer to Chapter 6 Funding and Administration on page 58.
Do RTLB only work with ‘moderate’ needs students?
RTLB provide support for Year 0–10 students who have moderate learning or behaviour difficulties. Schools, RTLB and GSE need to manage referrals together so that referrals are allocated appropriately and so that all students who need specialist support receive it.
Students with ASD/ADHD – where do they fit?
Assistance provided is needs-based, not solely on the basis of a diagnosis. However, there are training programmes and resources that have been developed in recognition of the needs of this group.
Do all RTLB have to complete the RTLB training?
Every RTLB must complete AND attain the RTLB qualification within three years of appointment. This is mandatory and the Ministry of Education does not grant any exemptions. Training providers will recognise prior learning in accordance with their institutions' rules. Refer to page 81 of the Policy and Toolkit for details of the training.
What is the annual realignment of positions?
RTLB positions are distributed on a formula based on Year 0–10 student rolls weighted by each school’s decile. Every year the Ministry reviews the distribution of positions nationally to make sure all clusters have an equitable share of the positions.
Do all RTLB itinerate?
The RTLB role is to help teachers across the cluster so RTLB need to be itinerant. However, large secondary schools tend to have very complex structures and a wide range of staff that the RTLB needs to develop relationships with. Therefore some clusters choose to have some of the time of one RTLB ‘dedicated’ to that school. These schools should still be part of the cluster and have access to other RTLB.
Are RTLB still doing systems work?
Yes, but the focus is always on outcomes for identified students.
When is ERO coming back?
A national follow-up evaluation is expected in 2008.
How can RTLB access resources from Learning Media Ltd?
Learning Media Ltd is contracted to the Ministry to provide and send resources to schools for the use of staff and students. Any resource which is specific to RTLB will be addressed to the employing school with 'RTLB' noted on the address label. Personal names are not used, as teachers (RTLB) may change.
Ensure that the office staff at the employing school are aware that there will be resources arriving throughout the year which are destined for RTLB. Individual RTLB should not contact Learning Media Ltd but have one designated person per cluster for all enquiries. The Ministry of Education keep Learning Media Ltd updated with numbers of RTLB and RTLB Māori in each cluster.
Who is responsible for RTLB?
RTLB are employed by a board of trustees that has responsibility for all employment matters. The board should consider the cluster’s needs when making an appointment and have cluster representation on the appointment panel.
What should an RTLB or principal who has an employment related question do?
In the first instance, an employee (the RTLB) should approach the employing principal. There should be a school policy on the subsequent action steps. If there is not, then one should be developed. The teacher unions or New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZTA) can offer further advice.
What are the rules about taxation and travel for RTLB?
RTLB are subject to the same taxation legislation as every other New Zealand taxpayer. The Ministry is not able to negotiate special requirements for a particular sector. The travel allowance is set out in the New Zealand Education Institute (NZEI) and Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) Collective Employment Agreements. Leased vehicles, which are taken home or used in any way for personal travel, incur Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) unless they meet the requirements as set down by Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
How can a cluster get an increase in their Travel Grant?
For information on an increase in the Travel Grant refer to the Policy and Toolkit. An application form can be downloaded from www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/resourcingforms
I want to be an RTLB. Where do I get information?
On this website: Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) at: http://www.tki.org.nz/r/governance/rtlb/
Please contact the Project Team with any further queries at: rtlb.project@minedu.govt.nz or telephone
Carmel Hoetawa (04) 463 7544 or Nicola Borgfeldt (04) 463 8182.