Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

oll out of these initiatives is driven by the needs of communities and industry, not private
interests.
Labour will take a strategic approach that ensures the mix of tertiary high schools
and trade academies across the country are right for the community.
Labour will continue to fund the existing services that are expected to benefit 12,500 16 and
17 year olds by 2014.
For more information, see Labour‟s Youth Skills policy.
Professional development and learning
Research suggests that the skill of teachers is one of the most critical factors in achieving
successful educational outcomes for our children.
Labour will support teachers to deliver education that‟s up-to-date, relevant and engaging for
our children. To achieve this, teachers must have access to on-going professional
development.
Since National took office almost $50 million has been cut from professional development
funding from early childhood through to secondary schools. The use of professional
development has also been narrowed down to the implementation of National Standards.
Labour will prioritise investment in professional development and learning, bearing in
mind financial constraints. We will not cut funding for professional development and
learning. As our economic situation improves, Labour will restore funding for
professional development and learning.
Labour will maintain the high standards required of New Zealand‟s early education
professionals and work towards the goal of 100% fully qualified staff in all ECE
centres.
Labour will support the New Zealand Teachers‟ Council to enhance the quality of
initial teacher education and on-going professional development. This includes
evaluating the findings of the Teachers‟ Council‟s Review of Initial Teacher
Education.
Labour will redirect the professional development funding provided to primary
schools to implement National Standards. We will allow schools to use this money
for professional development and learning that is focused on implementing the NZ
Curriculum.
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