Christchurch teachers will decide today what sort of industrial action they will take over the proposed school changes.
Large numbers of teachers are expected at the meeting organised by the New Zealand Educational Institute, which represents teachers. On the agenda is how they will respond to the Government's proposed merger and closure of schools.
NZEI Te Riu Roa National president Ian Leckie said actions would be about protecting children and their communities from unnecessary disruption and radical reform.
"We need to send a message to the Government that it is not acceptable to use Christchurch children as guinea pigs for an education agenda that the Government would clearly like to roll out across the entire country. This includes mega-sized schools, double-bunking and charter schools," said Mr Leckie.
The Education Ministry's poor quality of information, lack of consultation and unrealistic timeframes imposed on schools would be discussed, he said.
"The Government needs to put children and their families back at the centre of planning. It needs to stop its bad process and listen to Christchurch communities," he said.
The meeting will be at 4pm at the Christchurch Riding for the Disabled Indoor Arena, AMP Showgrounds, 61 Wigram Rd.
- The Star
