Party Gives Details On Education

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32126, 23 October 1969, Page 1

Party Gives Details On Education

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 22. A continuation and extension of existing education policy will be emphasised by the National Party in its General Election campaign.

Its education manifesto is larger this year than that for the 1966 election—3l points, compared with 20 three years ago.

In the last fortnight, the Minister of Education (Mr Kinsella) has announced and explained a number of points which make up the manifesto on education which was revealed as a whole today. The Labour Party’s 38point education policy was announced three weeks ago. The policy statement says the education system should allow young people every opportunity to develop their talents to the full. The National Government aims to create the conditions In which the appeal of the teaching profession will continue to attract dedicated and able men and women. CLASS SIZES It realises that there are many challenges to be faced tn determining the priorities of expenditure for education. It also recognises that re-

duced class sizes, more and better trained teachers, and adequate ancillary staffing must be attained as soon as possible. The Government will accelerate the programme already begun of reducing primary school staffing ratios to a maximum of 1 to 35. a teacher-pupil ratio of 1 to 20 for sixth forms, and 1 to 30 for other secondary school classes. CONDITIONS On teaching conditions it says the extensive system of in-service training will be extended. Ancillary staffing will be substantially increased. From February, the workload on first-year teachers will be reduced. Part-time teachers will meet improved conditions of service. The minimum entry qualification to teachers’ colleges will be raised as soon as practicable to university entrance.

In its attention to school curricula, special notice will be taken of the desirability of fostering civic responsibilities.

“The individual is first and foremost a citizen, and should have a full appreciation of his place in our society and his responsibilities as a member of it,” says the manifesto.

The working of the new school certificate examination will be closely watched, and special attention will be paid to the extension of the teaching of languages of nations with which New Zealand has increasing trade. The party regards the introduction of educational television as a matter of high priority. Academic programmes for adults will be provided in conjunction with the N.Z.B.C. PLAY CENTRES Increased assistance will be given to play centres and kindergartens. Pre - school facilities for Maoris, particularly, will be expanded, and an inquiry into all pre-school services, both State and independent, will be instituted. The work of the special education service which caters for the needs of the physically, mentally and emotionally handicapped, will be extended. In the field of Maori education, the party would appoint more guidance counsellors in schools with large numbers of Maori pupils. It will reorganise the Maori scholarship scheme to increase its benefit. Vocational guidance will be extended, and more officers will be appointed. EQUIPMENT Modern transportable classrooms in permanent materials will be used to phase out prefabricated classrooms. The whole of the supply and replacement of primary and intermediate school equipment by the Government will be reviewed, provision made for a more liberal basic equipment list, and a new policy formed for replacement

The manifesto says regular reviews will be made of the adequacy of the text book grant. “It is estimated that the demand for technicians will Increase spectacularly during the 19705, and to meet this situation the National Government will ensure that adequate resources are provided for technical training.” Spending on universities will be such that capital needs are met, and present policy of admission to universities will be maintained.