That surely is the only way to see the embarrassing about-face by Education Minister Hekia Parata over class sizes.
Yesterday's announcement that the Government was to do a policy u-turn and leave ratios as they are in primary and secondary schools will be welcomedby teachers and parents alike. It follows earlier "clarification" over aspects of the policy and assurances no school would drop more than two teachers when it was implemented, rather than the half dozen or more some schools indicated they would lose.
Opposition in Wanganui emerged through this newspaper and online, and was reflected in the presence of 140 teachers at a union meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
It is easy to understand why both sides were staunch in their views, but the reality was the savings outlined in the scheme were quite modest. The changes to teacher-student funding ratios were to have saved the Government about $174million over four years, of which $60million was to be invested in improving teaching quality and professional leadership. That reinvestment will no longer occur but, judging by public opinion, that trade-off is one people are prepared to accept. In any case, the Government contends it is committed to improving teacher performance and educational achievement, so educators will not be able to relax just yet.
Many will be wondering how Ms Parata and her advisers could so completely misread the likely reaction, and then allow the issue to simmer so long. As the minister herself said: "Hindsight is a wonderful thing. It is clear this is something that has been rejected by parents and by teachers."
It is refreshing to see that on this issue, at least, the Government was willing to listen to the people. However, it should never have got to this point. It remains to be seen what, if any, lasting damage is done to the National Party and the political future of Hekia Parata as a result.
