Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday 7 June 2012


Dunne welcomes teacher-student ratios rethink

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne today welcomed the Government’s decision to abandon proposed changes to teacher-student ratios.

“I think this is a necessary step, and while not an easy decision to make, it is the right one,” Mr Dunne said.

He said governments did not always get it right and it was important that when they did not, that they were prepared to rectify the situation.

“There is no question that the Government is committed to raising student achievement – it is just a matter of how they go about it. Bigger class sizes were a step in the wrong direction,” he said.

Mr Dunne said parents and education sector groups would be relieved by today’s decision.

He said it was important now that the Government and education groups and unions got around the table and addressed issues of creating savings in the sector.

“Today’s announcement meets what education sector groups have been calling for, but now they need to demonstrate good faith and work with the Government.

“Changes need to be made and the goal of improving student achievement is critical to New Zealand’s long-term success,” Mr Dunne said.

Ends

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