In one of the most ridiculous news items I have read in a long time, Stuff is reporting that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which oversees secondary and tertiary qualifications in the country, will be allowing SMS-style ‘TXT TLK’ in exams this year. I have written about my concerns over school age children using mobile phones here previously, and this just seems ludicrous to me.

While the NZQA is stating that it is strongly discouraging students to use the shorthand, and that in exams where requirements specifically state that candidates should demonstrate good language use, such as English, abbreviations would be penalized, I think it is terrible that ‘TXT TLK’ will be accepted at all.

We should be trying to teach students an appreciation of language, and the ability to write, spell, and speak with a high standard, not encouraging laziness and a complete butchery of the written word. I hope that the public makes a stand on this, and the NZQA realizes the stupidity of its ways.

Turns out I backed the winner in the Melbourne Cup (Australia’s biggest horse race). Delta Blues paid 18:1, so I walk away with quite a winning. Looks like my luck is finally coming back!