Labour’s first education policy: Ignorance is bliss

"Labour’s promise to scrap primary school testing shows they have learned nothing from their last six years of educational failure," says ACT Education spokesperson Laura McClure.

"During Labour’s time in government, New Zealand saw a massive decline in both attendance and achievement. It was a national disgrace that under 50 per cent of kids were attending school regularly.

"Now we know what their priorities are for the next election. Their first education policy was to force schools to prioritise Te Tiriti over academic achievement. Their second is to remove the tools that tell us how far behind students are falling.

"It proves they are completely unfit to be anywhere near children’s education. You don’t improve education by hiding the results.

"Labour’s instinct is to shield the system from scrutiny. ACT’s instinct is to make the system accountable to the children it is supposed to serve.

"Parents have a right to know how their child is progressing at school. If a student is struggling with reading, writing, or maths, parents deserve clear information so problems can be identified and addressed early."But measurement alone isn't enough. That's why ACT is delivering real structural reform.

"We're bringing back Charter Schools and expanding educational choice, because when a school isn't delivering, parents should have the power to choose an option that works better for their child.

"While Labour wants to lower the bar and hide the evidence, ACT is raising expectations, demanding accountability, and giving parents the power to demand better."