Nelson to privatise year 3

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

---------------------
Another message from the GREENS-MEDIA maillist.
You are subscribed as: chris at sw.oz.au
Manage your subscription on the list home page at:
http://www.altnews.com.au/greens/
---------------------


19.05.04

Nelson to privatise year 3

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle described today's announcement by Education
Minster Brendan Nelson that students failing year 3 literacy tests would
be given vouchers for extra tuition as a 'privatisation of year 3
literacy'.

"The Minister is subsidising parents to support private tuition rather
then ensure that public schools are resourced to do the best job they
can," Senator Nettle said.

 "If students are struggling in year three then funding public schools
to reduce class sizes and allow more teacher student contact is the
obvious solution. 

The vouchers will only be available in states which publish the results
of literacy tests, therefore facilitating the move to national
performance league tables.

"This is another attack on teaching unions and public schools which for
very good reasons are resisting the government's push for school league
tables.

"Reporting of results for children this age is always going to be
controversial but instead of trying to win the argument on merit the
Minister has resorted to bribery.

"Today's announcement confirms this government as an administration more
interested in wedge politics then good policy.

"Not satisfied with insulting teachers with the 'values' agenda the
Minister has now moved to privatise year 3 reading for struggling kids."

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146



-------------------------
Support your List Server:
DOMAIN NAMES: http://altnews.com.au/register/
HOSTING: http://altnews.com.au/sales/
PHONE: low cost calls at http://us.altnews.com.au/1cell/
-------------------------
Hosted by Alternative News Network, Cairns, tropical north Queensland, Australia
-------------------------