Letter: Park up the bulldozer and start talking

OPINION: John Key says that two-thirds of schools and 30 per cent of teachers need to pull their socks up.

If he knows this, why test? Testing isn't teaching. Why not put the resources into tackling the problem?

I don't think even teachers are suggesting that all is perfect in the education system. There may be need for change.

But it is hardly teachers' fault that the Government has earned itself a well below standard rating when explaining the rationale behind literacy and numeracy standards.

The solution may be for both the Government and teachers to take a step back, to set aside entrenched positions and focus on the real problems.

The Government has rattled the teachers' cage. Maybe this was needed, and communities may now be ready for a reasoned debate. This will take time, but it is important.

The Government needs to take teachers and parents with it, not bulldoze them on the basis of a mandate it doesn't really have.

I believe parents and teachers will respect a government that can say: "We moved too fast, we may not have got this right yet. Let's work together and take another look at it."

JOHN BONALLACK

Johnsonville

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