Secondary Education A Straitjacket For Students

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Education

Secondary Education A Straitjacket For Students

The Libertarianz Party questions the need for the new draft curriculum for schools, released today by the Ministry of Education. "The curriculum is an example of centralised, bureaucratic control over schools, denying freedom of choice for parents," said Phil Howison, Libertarianz Education Spokesman.

Mr Howison also casts a skeptical eye on calls by Education Minister Steve Maharey for schools to teach values such as 'excellence, innovation, diversity, respect, equity, integrity, community and care for the environment'. "The government is abusing its power by attempting to control New Zealand culture through education. Parents should pass on their chosen values to their kids - why should we let the government get involved in something so personal?" asked Howison.

"Compare the state school system with tertiary education," Mr Howison explained. "After they leave state schools, young people can choose where and what kind of tertiary institution they want to attend, deciding for themselves. Why can't parents and students choose what type of secondary education best suits their needs?"

"Schools should be controlled by parents and teachers - by local communities, rather than bureaucrats and politicans in Wellington. The Ministry of Education should be abolished," said Howison. "Fitting individual students with a one-size-fits-all educational straitjacket just doesn't work. With a complete separation of school and state, parents would be able to teach their children as they wish."

"It's enough to make you vote Libertarianz!"

ENDS

Libertarianz: More Freedom – Less Government
www.libertarianz.org.nz

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