Parents, teachers and principals can be trusted
National leader Dr Don Brash today highlighted a number of important issues; the most crucial being that parents,
teachers and principals can be trusted with our children's education.
“Maxim Institute firmly believes that parents know their children best. They want what is best for them, as they are
responsible for them,” says Nicki Taylor, Policy Manager at Maxim Institute.
“It is great to hear the National Party acknowledge that parents, teachers and principals are the experts when it comes
to education and that local communities should play an important part in the education of their children.”
“Different communities have different educational needs, requiring different approaches. Schools must have the freedom
to make important decisions themselves,” says Nicki Taylor.
“Research shows a clear link between a school’s freedom to operate and its effectiveness. The needs of local communities
have been largely ignored as bureaucracy has taken over the education system.”
“The problems with NCEA and the failure of the Ministry of Education to effectively address the over representation of
Maori and Pasifika children among tail-end performers, has shown centralised bureaucracy is inadequate to deal with
diverse needs.”
“We welcome any move towards showing New Zealand parents that they are trusted,” says Nicki Taylor.