Consultation workshops kick off – timing criticised

Consultation workshops on the update of the Education Act 1989 have kicked off throughout the country and will continue through to early December.

The proposed changes to the Act will update the legislation to support the development of a 21st century education system that is learner centred, focused on their educational achievement and recognises the diversity of students within our education system.

Workshops are being hosted in Tai Tokerau, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Nelson, Canterbury and Southland.

Advocates for special needs learners are not impressed with the late notice of the workshops, however.

“It’s a crying shame that we have been given such a short space of time to respond to the proposed changes to the Education Act,” says Ms Dianne Khan from support group, Special Education Needs NZ.

“But it’s still very important that we all think about the issues and have our say. Parent and whānau voices are incredibly important if we are to get these changes right.”