United Future releases education policy

United Future wants children to be taught values as well as reading and writing skills. MP Judy Turner released the party's education policy today. "We would ensure that all schools implement an integrated character education and civics programme," she said. "Character education is about incorporating universal values such as honesty, respect for others and the law, tolerance, fairness, caring and social responsibility into a schools culture." The policy also included:- * having Playcentre, Kohanga Reo and Pacific Language nests under the 20 hours free early education policy; * setting a teacher-pupil ratio for Year 1 Students of 1:15 (the current ratio is 1:18) and progressive reduction for Years 2 and 3 to 1:22 and Years 4-8 to 1:25; * taking up New Zealand Association of Middle Schools (NZAIMS) recommendations including... [read full story]