November 26, 2013
Maori used to justify school ideology
The chair of the Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua Authorisation Board says the Government’s decision to open applications for a second round of charter schools offers hope for many Maori students.
Catherine Isaac, a former ACT president, says the decision means that, from Term 1 2015, more children from Maori, Pasifika and low income backgrounds whose needs are not currently being met will have a better chance of achieving their potential in education.
She says there is high demand from parents, iwi, and local communities for schools that offer better alternatives for their children than are available in the current education system.
Five kura houora were approved in the first round, including two run by Northland Maori trusts.
Ms Isaac says with the benefit of more time and greater clarity around requirements, many of the 30 unsuccessful applications may reapply, and there could be many new applicants.
The Post Primary Teachers Association says Education Minister Hekia Parata should fix up the mess she has made with the first round of charter schools before starting any more.
President Angela Roberts says the minister failed to consult Northland communities and whanau about the impact her charter schools will have on kura kaupapa and the rest of the public school system in the region.
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