The National Party is showing it is completely out of touch with schools by offering up an education policy that misses the chance to fix crucial issues in the sector, say principals and teachers.
The plan is part of the four-pronged $380 million education plan revealed by leader Bill English and education spokesperson Nikki Kaye yesterday.
But Principals’ Federation president Whetu Cormick was less than impressed.
He said the sector just had a new digital curriculum dumped on their laps in June.
“At the moment we’ve got about 4000 teachers who are ready, out of 100,000 of us, to do this curriculum.
“Now we’ve got another idea of languages, pouring in precious millions of dollars into this idea that’s come completely out of left field, just reflects that our Prime Minister’s out of touch.
“There aren’t enough teachers around to teach our rich curriculum and the basics of reading, writing and maths.”
His biggest gripe was that the money was not going to be spent where it was desperately needed.
“We’ve got big, big issues with severe behaviours. Children who are affected by methamphetamine parents, their addictions. They’re causing some concerns in our schools. We’re hearing from our colleagues, principals across the country … they’re at breaking point.”
Read full article from Jacob McSweeny here: RadioNZ