National makes no apology for standards policy
National Party Education spokeswoman Anne Tolley is welcoming the opportunity to restate National’s determination to
lift educational standards to ensure our children are better equipped for the future.
“National standards will give every child access to the best teaching methods for literacy and numeracy. We want more
teachers to be taking advantage of the best practice techniques that many of our most successful schools are already
using.”
Mrs Tolley is responding to statements from the New Zealand Principal Federation criticising National’s policy which
aims to reduce the number of children who leave school unable to read, write, and do basic maths.
“We have to do more to make sure every child learns the basics required to contribute to the community, the country, and
the economy. It’s time for every school to use the best methods.
“I am mystified by the Federation’s references to National testing. We have explained our policy many times to the
sector over the past three years and they know we have not proposed national testing.
“Our national standards policy has been well received by school principals and teachers because it is flexible, and
builds on the best-practice methods that are already getting good results.”
Ends