A huge win for teaching

It was incredible that at last the Government has actually listened to the people - and about time too, Wanganui principals and teachers said yesterday.

They were thrilled and were celebrating Education Minister Hekia Parata's announcement to ditch all plans to change funding of staff ratios at schools.

The plans announced in the Budget would have meant many schools losing teachers and class sizes would have grown.

The backdown was in response to parents' concerns about the proposed changes, Ms Parata said.

Government had believed the changes were modest and would be acceptable, she said.

'But it has become clear that is a trade-off parents are not prepared to accept."

Wanganui Intermediate deputy principal Colin Withers said Ms Parata and the Government had finally seen sense.

"We are very pleased that common sense has finally prevailed. Teachers, students and our school community will be enormously relieved that no changes are to be made to teacher-student ratios.

"That would have been the death-knell to our technology programme and our ability to target struggling students."

But it's a pity that she hadn't consulted with the education sector before making changes that were not announced as policy before the election, he said.

Rangitikei College principal Karene Biggs said she was delighted with the news.

"Building learning partnerships with parents and developing productive relationships with students will ensure they are equipped to be successful in tertiary education or to enter confidently into the workforce."

Tawhero School principal Chris Dibben said the heart of the matter was that teachers and parents just want what's best for each child.

"We know that effective teaching enhances students learning and ensures students progress. This news is very welcome and a huge relief."

Durie Hill School principal Geoff Simes said he was very relieved .

It showed that when enough people stepped up and voiced their concerns, the Government had to take notice, he said.