National’s Lack Of Education Policy And Commitment Exposed

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says while the National Party claims it won’t cut frontline services to fund its tax cuts policy, it fails to outline how it will achieve its goal of lifting educational standards.

A key component of its just announced economic and tax package is what it says is an unwavering focus on lifting educational standards and ensuring a strong focus on the provision of frontline services.

NZEI National Secretary Paul Goulter says “you can’t make broad statements on education within an economic management policy, without releasing some education policy to back it up. So far National has not done that.”

NZEI has its own 10 point plan which sets out policies which help ensure all children have equity of access to learning opportunities and quality public education.
http://www2.nzei.org.nz/site/nzeite/files/election2008/Election%2010%20pointer.pdf

It also says school support staff are critical to lifting educational standards yet National won’t commit to a promised pay jolt for them to underpin their pay negotiations next year. Instead it has labeled the pay jolt as irresponsible.

“National won’t be cutting frontline staff to fund their tax cuts, but what about giving valuable and low paid frontline support staff the funding they deserve?” says Paul Goulter.

ENDS

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