Urgent Need For Diversity In Education

Friday, 3 September 1999, 5:18 pm
Press Release: Alastair Thompson

Urgent Need For Diversity In Education

Friday 3rd Sep 1999
Donna Awatere Huata
Media Release -- Education

Statistics on school suspensions released by the Ministry of Education this week show an urgent need for greater diversity in New Zealand's education system, according to ACT Education spokesperson, Donna Awatere Huata.

"The Ministry of Education admitted this week that the increase in suspensions shows schools need better ways of dealing with student behavioural problems.

"Charter Schools would provide an excellent solution. In overseas countries, Charter Schools are catering for at-risk students with outstanding results.

"This would provide an ideal option for students who are currently falling through the gaps. They would offer greater choice for parents, and a second chance for failing students.

"The Ministry have woken up to the fact that Alternative Education Initiatives could offer a solution. The Charter School movement could revolutionize the way we operate our education system.

"Too many students are slipping through the cracks. The sooner we recognise the value of choice in education, the less risk of failure for our students," said Donna Awatere Huata.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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