NAPLAN testing must be reviewed and improved in light of increasing concerns from parents and teachers that misuse of test results is distracting from student learning, says Australian Greens spokesperson on Schools Senator Penny Wright.
The Australian Greens will this week move for a Senate Inquiry into the tests to examine any unintended consequences of the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy tests.
Opposition leader Tony Abbott must re-evaluate his position on the Gonski school funding reforms in light of New South Wales's partnership with the Federal Government, say the Australian Greens.
Australian Greens spokesperson for schools Senator Penny Wright welcomed Premier O'Farrell's clear show of leadership today and said other premiers must be quick to follow his example in getting on with Gonski.
The Australian Greens have called on Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to visit disadvantaged public schools before pledging to repeal any Gonski legislation.
Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools Senator Penny Wright said Mr Abbott's comments showed tremendous ignorance about systemic inequality in Australian schools.
"Mr Abbott needs to see for himself the strain so many of our public schools are under," Senator Wright said.
The Australian Greens have expressed disappointment and frustration that COAG has wasted an historic opportunity to deliver fair funding for Australian schools.
"It is totally unacceptable the Liberal state governments are playing politics with education, while Australian children are missing out," Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said
State Premiers who do not sign up to the Gonski school funding reforms at tomorrow's COAG meeting must be held accountable, says Australian Greens spokesperson on Schools, Senator Penny Wright.
"If Coalition state Premiers fail to reach an agreement to fairly fund our schools, our whole nation will suffer," Senator Wright said.
"It will cost our economy billions and leave so many Australian children behind and these Premiers must be held accountable for that.
The Australian Greens are calling on the Gillard Government to guarantee legislation for Gonski school funding reforms will be brought to Parliament before the election to ensure extra funding goes ahead.
Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright, urged action to protect public schools from a Tony Abbott Government.
“The Australian Greens want fair funding so every Australian child has equal opportunity,” Senator Wright said. “It is time for all State Premiers to get on board.”
Gonski could be 'going, going, gone' unless Education Minister Peter Garrett can quickly resolve political infighting with State Governments, says Australian Greens spokesperson on schools Senator Penny Wright.
"This Labor Government has had six years to do something about the failed school funding system in this country. Instead, everything comes down to the next 10 days before COAG," said Senator Wright.