[Greens-Media] Auditor-General identifies need to expand Priority Action Schools Program

[John Kaye]

Auditor-General identifies need to expand Priority Action Schools
Program 
 
Media Release: 22 October 2008
 
The release of the Auditor-General’s Report 'Improving Literacy and
Numeracy in NSW Public Schools' highlights the need for the Rees
government to do more for students who are slipping through the gaps,
according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "This report highlights that NSW consistently exceeds the
national average in literacy and numeracy. 
 
"Despite this ten to fifteen percent of students are failing to achieve
national minimum standards.
 
"The report recognises the need to expand the Priority Action Schools
Program (PASP) that provides support to the state’s most disadvantaged
public schools.
 
"The Auditor-General explicitly says that PASP is 'designed to fund
schools for only a limited number of years and is targeted at a
relatively small number of schools when there is a much larger number of
schools that appear to need assistance'. 
 
"PASP funding has been fixed at $16 million per year since it was
introduced in 2002. It is being eaten away by inflation.
 
"This translates to an effective $4 million cut over six years.
 
"The government acknowledges PASP has improved outcomes for students
from the most disadvantaged areas of the state. 
 
"The Greens call on Education Minister Verity Firth to act on the
Auditor-General’s comments on PASP.
 
"The PASP should be expanded to cover more schools, engage schools on a
longer time frame and have its funding increased. 
 
"Next month's mini-budget is a prime opportunity for the Rees
Government to act on behalf of those students who need assistance with
literacy and numeracy," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 

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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000