Gifted And Talented Children Blocked by National

Tracey Martin MP

Deputy Leader and

Spokesperson for Education
15 JUNE 2015

Gifted And Talented Children Blocked by National

The government has a responsibility to raise achievement for gifted and talented children, not just those who are struggling, says New Zealand First.

“Children who are excelling at school should be encouraged to reach their full potential but National’s education policy is blocking their success,” says Deputy Leader and Education Spokesperson Tracey Martin.

“Funding and resources are not reaching these children and narrowing of the curriculum through National Standards has done nothing to help the situation.

“On Gifted Awareness Week New Zealand First is renewing its call for a pilot programme that will identify these children early by working with schools, families and early childhood professionals.

“This will provide a better picture of how staff and resources could be targeted based on the specific needs of these children, alongside extra training for teachers working with them.

“This tagged funding could then be used to start academies in areas like maths, science, English, sport or visual and performing arts.

“New Zealand First believes that gifted and talented children must be nurturedand should not be neglected in the push to boost achievement across the board,” says Mrs Martin.

ENDS

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