Maxim Institute Queries Government Back-Down on Class Sizes

maxim-institute

Thu Jun 07 2012 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Maxim Institute Queries Government Back-Down on Class Sizes

Thursday, 7 June 2012, 3:35 pm
Press Release: Maxim Institute

media release

THURSDAY 7 JUNE 2012

Maxim Institute Queries Government Back-Down on Class Sizes

Maxim Institute is concerned about the Government’s back-down on class sizes announced this afternoon.

Maxim Institute Senior Researcher Steve Thomas says the Government must carefully examine its reasons for backing down.

“Is this back-down because new evidence shows it is best for our children, or is it because of public pressure?

“The Government’s job is to do what is in the best interest of New Zealand schools and students, not what is going to keep the Government popular in the polls.”

Research shows that class size is not as important asteacher quality for students' learning outcomes.

“It is disappointing to see the $60 million that was going to be set aside to improve teacher quality and professional leadership will now disappear,” says Thomas.

“The Government’s decision to focus on teacher quality and professional leadership was right and to back-down now is a mistake.”

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from Maxim Institute on InfoPages.