MEMBER for Orange Andrew Gee writes of his surprise at criticism of the new Every Student, Every School policy (“Schools’ policy to make a difference”, Central Western Daily, Saturday, August 4).
This policy was designed by bean counters, not experts in education, and deserves to be publicly criticised.
The resources available to schools are distributed on average prevalence, not on specific student need. Some schools have a greater need for resources than other schools in supporting students with a disability in the classroom. Much of the support provided is in the form of professional development. While this is valued, it should not be at the expense of support in the classroom.
Additional funding for the policy comes from the Commonwealth government’s National Partnership program and is not ongoing. Mr Gee taking credit for this is a bit cheeky.
Surely Mr Gee should be writing letters to the editor about the 10 public servants who have lost their job at the Orange Lands Office.
Are any more sackings planned for public servants in the Orange electorate? How is downgrading firefighting services making Orange a safer place? How does casualising the teaching workforce make schools better for students?
There are many more questions Mr Gee should be answering.
How do Mr Gee and the NSW government justify sacking workers and reducing services in Orange to fund new transport infrastructure in Sydney?
Walter Reynolds,
Orange Teachers Association president