37,000 signature petition a lesson for Govt

John Key’s Government has a lot to learn from the 37,000 signature petition presented to Parliament today expressing concern about the Government’s National Standards policy, the Green Party said.

“The depth of concern about National Standards shows the Government needs to reflect on the wisdom of ramming them through without a trial,” Green Party Education Spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said.

Ms Delahunty received the petition along with Labour MP Trevor Mallard on the steps of Parliament this morning.
“Right from the start the education sector unions, parents, teachers, principals, and Boards of Trustees have called for the Government to trial National Standards, not our kids.

“John Key and Education Minister Anne Tolley have not listened.
“Instead, they have rammed through a rushed and flawed policy, and in doing so they have lost the support of many of the people they are relying on to implement it.

“This is no way to show leadership. The Government needs to inspire teachers and parents to work towards a shared understanding of a healthy education system, not impose an untried, untested policy that could result in our kids being labelled as failures.

“The threats to Boards of Trustees, the disregard for the legitimate concerns of parents and teachers, and the refusal to even contemplate a trial for the new National Standards undermine any educational value a National Standards system might have.

“This Government is driven by ideology, not what is best for our kids.
“I acknowledge the hard work of the NZEI, the other education sector unions, and all the parents, teachers, principals, and Board members who have organised this petition and expressed their deep concern to the Government.

ENDS

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