NZ government's education agenda

There is absolutely no doubt that this is the Shock Doctrine in action, Christchurch is being used to introduce the government's far-right agenda (including charter schools) using the earthquake as a cloak.

In his book “the Hollow Men, Nicky Hager describes how it was the plan of the National Party to introduce those policies that were unpalatable to the populace at large in their second term of office when they could claim to have the mandate to do whatever they want.

Election as 'Ermächtigungsgesetz' (Hitler's Enabling Act).

'Hidden agenda' claims against schools slashing

Suspicions of a hidden agenda behind the Education Ministry proposing closing 13 Christchurch schools are growing.

The Press,

23 September, 2012

Education Minister Hekia Parata has been urged to confirm the city is not being targeted for charter schools, with Post Primary Teachers Association Canterbury regional chair Brigid Raymond alleging a secret agenda to replace public schools with private ones. "We suspect that's a possibility because of the way things have gone, and we want assurances it won't happen."

Parata has said repeatedly that legislation to allow charter schools has not even gone to Parliament. "Partnership Schools did not factor in our proposals. There is no project, no plans to have a majority of Partnership Schools, or to encourage students to go there rather than state schools."

But Raymond said there was no reason for "unacceptable" charter schools. "Why would you close successful schools for a charter school? The only rationale is a political ideology to provide profit."

Parents Across America founding member Karran Harper Royal said communities should prevent charter schools opening if they could. Charter schools replaced "failing" neighbourhood schools in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and she said education had suffered.

"Schools want the better students so their test scores stay high and they don't get shut. That makes it difficult for those with special needs who may not be as high performing, and it's a problem when you're trying to find a school that will just do a good job educating your child, because schools don't want students who are the hardest to educate."

Harper Royal said if Christchurch became a hub for charter schools, people could expect chaos. "Expect families constantly moving children, schools that aren't much better than before, expect to spend more money because you're duplicating services, and expect companies to decide how schools should operate instead of the community."

Meanwhile, after the ministry's decisions on Christchurch, an education expert has called for a network of regional authorities.

Emeritus education professor Ivan Snook said that would see communities, teachers and parents controlling local schools.

"In Christchurch, schools and parents were happy to work together to find solutions, rather than have a blueprint imposed from Wellington. The schools were doing their best, whereas the blueprint cuts across any ability to come up with local solutions."

But ministry deputy secretary Katrina Casey said the city's Education Renewal Plan had involved the people, and future work would involve local solutions.

Snook said it would be easy for local communities to run authorities.

"The Government seems to think there is a problem with young people failing. It's solution is set up rival schools and let them have a go on the open market, but I'm suggesting supporting the local area, and for the Education Review Office to stop judging and blaming, and start assisting."

Large crowd rallies against school closure plan

Radio New Zealand,

22 September, 2012

Up to 2000 people have protested at Hagley Park in Christchurch against proposed education changes.

Speakers called on the Government not to implement plans which will see 31 schools closed or merged with other schools in the city.

The Education Ministry announced on 13 September a shake-up that could include the closure of 13 schools and the merging of 18.

Teachers, principals and students at the demonstration on Saturday held placards and chanted slogans such as "save our schools". Christchurch City councillor Yani Johansen told the crowd the government is using local schools like guinea pigs for a social experiment.

A teacher from Manning Intermediate, Laurie Pledge, says the information presented to schools contains some glaring errors.

"The information pack given to our principals says there were 14 buildings and a swimming pool (at his school) but there are five buildings and no swimming pool. So if they're basing their information on some of these basic facts then some of these decisions are based on completely wrong information. It's just shocking."

The protest was organised by Wayne Hawker, former chair of the board of trustees at the Phillipstown School, who says he wants to send a message to the Government that its proposals are wrong. He says the size of the crowd shows Cantabrians aren't going to let their schools be shut down.

Local community board members and principals of affected schools spoke to the crowd.

The Education Minister, Hekia Parata, said on Saturday the damage caused to the city by the earthquakes means change is necessary and she believes people accept that.

Ms Parata said that in a democracy people have the right to protest, but she hopes people will review the information the Government has put out and then have their say.