Education changes necessary

Bali Haque and his team have done a great job in analysing the issues that beset our current education system after 30 years of Tomorrow's Schools. The system is fragmented, the gap between the haves and the have nots is wider than ever and there is no evidence student achievement is improving. A state education system should give all students a fair go at success whoever they are and the current system is not doing that. If we don't change it we will keep getting what we have been getting and the inequities will become worse.

The recommendations for change made by the task force are worthy of serious consideration. There does need to be a stronger partnership between schools and the Government without diminishing the importance of local decision making. Hubs may well do that. Boards of trustees and principals do need to focus more on the core business of the school such as teaching, learning, assessment and student wellbeing and less on property, finance and compliance.

To date, some of the opposition to the report has been disappointing. Principals of large secondary schools roaring like stags to protect their territory. No better alternatives have been presented, no acknowledgement of the need for change, merely a wish to maintain the status quo as they seem to see change as a threat.

In particular, the position of the National Party is crucial, for it is vital any changes have cross party support to avoid further political interference. Indeed, the Government's position itself is unclear so there is plenty of debate yet to be had.

Let us acknowledge the shortcomings of the current system for they are obvious and constructively consider the task force’s recommendations with a view to ensuring all students in the “system” get a fair go, including suggesting better alternatives for change if there are any.

Bruce Adin, Brown's Bay,