Academics and school principals say New Zealand should not expect the education system to fix all of society's ills.
Strong political interest in education has them worried that the country is asking too much of schools and early childhood centres.
The three main political parties, National, Labour and the Greens, highlighted education with major announcements at the start of this year.
Academics and school principals say that is good, but warn against expecting too much from education, saying the system faces more demands than ever before.
They say the biggest impacts on education come from factors beyond the school gate, such as family income.
Higher rates of achievement will have more impact if students also leave school with values and attitudes that encourage further learning, they say.
- Hear more on Insight on Radio New Zealand National's Sunday Morning programme
