Union says Christchurch schools should get break over standards

Minister of Education Anne Tolley. Photo / Christine Cornege

The Government is being accused of being cold-hearted for saying Christchurch schools still have to implement national standards.

Education Minister Anne Tolley says standards are more important than ever, given disruption following the quake.

Education sector union NZEI president Ian Leckie said school principals felt the standards were not a priority and would be difficult to implement because of the earthquake.

"The concerns they are raising with the standards are actually being echoed in schools around the country, which do not even have the added burden of dealing with traumatised children and trying to get teaching and learning back on track," Mr Leckie said.

"Once again the Government is cold-heartedly failing to listen to the people at the chalkface. Not only should the Government call a halt to the implementation of National Standards in Christchurch, it should call a halt to them nationwide."

The union and some schools have long opposed the standards.

Mrs Tolley said the standards needed to be implemented.

"National Standards are more important than ever for students in Christchurch, many of whom will have missed weeks of learning.

"Schools will continue to be given all the support they need for implementing the standards.

"The Canterbury Principals' Association, and the NZEI, have actively campaigned against the standards since before they were introduced fifteen months ago," Mrs Tolley said.

- NZPA