National's education policy: at last, a real deal for parents and students
The National Party's school education policy released today offers a refreshing vision for improving education and
moving the school sector forward, says Education Forum Policy Advisor Norman LaRocque.
With its focus on excellence in education and parental choice, National is promoting what New Zealand families have been
crying out for and what leading education systems around the world already provide - a system that places the interest
of children above ideology, politics and self-interest, Mr LaRocque said.
"This is an education policy that empowers families and education professionals, and promotes standards of excellence.
In doing so, it has all the ingredients to provide real improvements in teacher quality, school management and, most
importantly, learning outcomes for our children."
The policy's focus on self-management for schools will be welcomed by those who believe that school governors, teachers
and principals are professionals and should be trusted to do the right thing for New Zealand children, said Mr LaRocque.
"The most heartening aspect of the policy is that it will shift the focus of decision-making from a cabal of teacher
union leaders in Wellington to where it truly belongs and has been shown to get the best results - families and
education professionals."