11 Jun 2012

Minister seeks forum to address student achievement

8:48 pm on 11 June 2012

The Education Minister is calling for a cross sector forum to help raise student achievement.

Hekia Parata had to concede last week that parents would not accept larger class sizes and teacher job losses, even if some of the money saved was put back into teacher development.

The policy reversal has left Ms Parata with a $114 million shortfall that has to be offset by savings elsewhere.

Ms Parata says the Government is still focused on lifting student achievement and is inviting sector representatives, unions, academics and other interested parties to participate in the forum.

The forum's first meeting will take place by the end of the June, when the terms of reference will be finalised.