Principals fire warning shot over ‘expert’ plan

Calls from school principals for the Government to meet certain conditions before they support its expert teaching policy should be a wake up for Education Minister Hekia Parata, Labour’s Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins says.

“The Principals’ Federation has today said the Government must prove this policy is based on evidence and developed in a timely fashion, consulting with the sector in an open and transparent way.

“The fact principals had to set these conditions shows they are wary of the Government after years of policy on the hoof and National’s failure to engage and consult with the real experts – the principals and teachers educating our kids.

“This Government has been plagued by mistakes whether it be class sizes, Novopay, unlawful school mergers in Christchurch, unpopular national standards or the dramatic decline in our OECD PISA rankings.

“This is a Government which has proven it cannot be trusted with education.

“Principals are right to be cautious as Hekia Parata has shown time and time again she is not up to the job.

“Labour is committed to a world-class education for our children. We will listen to teachers, parents and principals as we understand the important role they play in our kids’ learning,” Chris Hipkins says.

ends

© Scoop Media