ACT Election: Parents quiz candidates on school policies

Tonight, parents will be asking ACT election candidates to commit to measures to fully support public school students at an Education Election Forum hosted by the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Association (Council).

The forum is a chance for parents and carers to quiz candidates on their public school policies and election priorities. In attendance will be Steve Doszpot MLA, Yvette Berry MLA, Shane Rattenbury MLA, candidates from some minor parties and Independents.

“We are asking all candidates to look after the future of every ACT public school student” said Council Policy Officer, Maclaren Wall. “We want to see how their policies and planned funding will enable all students, regardless of their capabilities or backgrounds, to have the support they need to achieve their best.”

In consultation with public school parents, Council has developed a list of education priorities for candidates to commit to, including:

continued implementation of ‘Gonski’ funding
the full and unconditional implementation of all recommendations of the Expert Panel Review into Students with Complex Needs and Challenging Behavior (“Schools for All”)
a program to attract and retain specialist subject teachers (including music, art, science)
centralised funding for translation and interpreter services in schools
community liaison officers to assist in communication and engagement strategies in schools with high numbers of migrant families.

Council is also asking for better management of schools, improvements in traffic safety around schools and better school facilities.

What: ACT Education Election Forum
Date: Thursday September 1
Time: 6:45pm
Where: Centre for Teaching and Learning, 51 Fremantle Drive, Stirling
Media: Candidates answer parent questions and announce education promises
Vision opportunities

Press release issued September 1, 2016.