Charter School Overreaction Narrow Minded

Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig recommends David Shearer listens to Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk on schools and creativity, and considers a more broad minded approach to Partnership (Charter) schools.

(http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html)

Mr Craig is criticising David Shearer's announcement on Charter schools as an ideological overreaction. “Mr Shearer seems to be wedded to the ideology that the state must do everything when it comes to education” says Mr Craig.

"It’s ironic that Mr Shearer is trying to label the limited partnership school trial as “ideological”. That claim is pretty far-fetched. Only four operators have been awarded a trial, and this seems a very measured and rational approach. Give it a go and let the results prove the value of these schools," Mr Craig says.

Mr Shearer is also making the claim that Charter schools won’t be subject to the same level of accountability as state schools.

"Actually I think the opposite will be true," says Mr Craig. "The four schools will likely be subject to endless political scrutiny in the next few years, and it is also important to remember that parents enrol their children by choice, unlike state schools. If the schools don’t deliver, then the schools will fail, as parents will choose other educational options."

"I think Mr Shearer has this one wrong. I am sure many Kiwis would like to see greater choice and innovation in education. As a country that excels in innovation, we need to remain open to new ways of doing things. Each child is unique, and we should not be so quick to take away a potential opportunity for them to excel."

ENDS

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