Education debate heating up

Private schools or independent schools are not administered by government therefore they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students' tuition. They are free to choose their own curricula and select, for their students, the examination system they desire.

Charter schools are schools that receive government money but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other schools. While charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are not allowed to charge tuition.

Public schools or state schools, generally refer to primary or secondary schools that offers all children an education funded by the government, and paid for, in whole or in part, by state taxes.


There is much in the news about the introduction of charter schools in New Zealand. And it seemed to be kicked off by the announcement:

National has agreed to a radical development in the education system - charter schooling - in a surprising part of its support deal with the Act Party.

There will be much debate over the issue and even in these early days there is a mix of opinion from stakeholders. Trying to pull the fact from the opinion is going to become something of a headache, as with all these things there are pros and cons to both sides of the argument.

Articles:
Pro:

• Press Release: Maxim Institute: Charter Schools A Positive Initiative
• Marlborough Express: Key defends charter schools  
• John Key defends school trial

Con:

• Press Release: NZEI
• NZHerald: Sponsored school sees charter plan pitfall  
• Charter schools no silver bullet, warns US expert

Tweet