Reform must provide parental choice

Maxim Institute Media Release

10 October 2003

Reform must provide parental choice

Deborah Coddington's new book Let Parents Choose rightly places parents at the heart of education reform says Maxim Institute, senior education analyst, Paul Henderson.

"Pushing arguments aside with evidence from Holland and Sweden, she advances the case for a school system which focuses on parental choice and education outcomes."

Coddington argues that the key issue is not who educates our children, but the quality of education they receive. To this end whether Catholics, special character or private schools do the work is immaterial. Her point is that funding should follow the child-wherever it goes-and that the idea of one-size-fits-all does not meet parents expectations.

Paul Henderson says the book also makes the vital connection with families. "The excellent section Families Matter cites evidence which illustrates that nothing supplements a child's development more than life in a close family. Coddington argues that there are clear benefits in creating an education system where parents and families have more opportunity for involvement in a child's education."

Let Parents Choose should be read by everyone interested in improving the education of New Zealand children says Henderson.

"We need education reform because the school system isn't good enough and also because it denies parents the freedom to choose the type of education they believe to be best for their child."

Ends.

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