A New Salvo in the Debate About Schooling

24 February, 2004

Education Matters: A New Salvo in the Debate About Schooling

The Education Forum is today launching a substantial addition to debate about New Zealand schooling with Mark Harrison's book, Education Matters: Government, Markets and New Zealand Schools .

Six years in the making, Education Matters examines the role of government and the market in New Zealand 's education system. Australian economist Mark Harrison has developed a 'blue skies' assessment of how the school sector should be regulated.

"This is a reference manual for any educationalist, public policy maker or parent who believes that education decisions can be better made by individual families and communities than by bureaucrats in Wellington," Education Forum policy advisor Norman LaRocque said.

"Education Matters blows apart many of the myths about New Zealand school reform, and candidly addresses the question: what lessons can we learn from Tomorrow's Schools?

"This is an extremely thorough and comprehensive book, produced by a very talented economist who understands New Zealand 's education system.

"The launch of this book could not be any more timely, given the Education Minister's back down on future school closures, network reviews, and debate on extra regulation for integrated schools, race-based funding and teacher pay. Mark Harrison has dealt with each of these issues in a straight forward, commonsensical way. This is one book that belongs on the bedside table of every parent," Mr LaRocque said.

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The Wellington Launch of Education Matters is tonight (Tuesday 24 February) at 5.30pm , at the Wellesley Club, Maginnity Street, Wellington CBD.

The Auckland Launch of Education Matters is tomorrow (Wednesday 25 February) at 5.30pm, at Bell Gully, Level 21 of the Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD.

Members of the public and media are welcome to attend - RSVP to dyoung@educationforum.org.nz, stating which launch you will attend.

Interviews with Mark Harrison can be organised via David Young.

ENDS

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