NSW schools spared from destructive league tables

Greens NSW MP John Kaye said: "The Rees government's legislation would
have handed over the HSC and common skills testing results of every
school in this state to the federal government's website without any
protection on the use of the data.
 
"Simplistic league tables would have inevitably followed.
 
"Media outlets could have easily harvested the results and published
rankings from top to bottom, stigmatising many excellent schools.
 
"Our amendment will stop newspapers published in NSW from comparing
schools without their permission.
 
"It was supported by the Coalition, Independent MP Gordon Moyes,
Christian Democrat Fred Nile and the two Shooters Party members.
 
"Schools in this state have been spared the humiliation and damage to
educational outcomes that league tables have caused in the UK and the
USA.
 
"Labor MPs were isolated in their opposition to this important
protection for NSW schools.
 
"Education Minister Verity Firth regularly echoes Julia Gillard's
opposition to so-called 'simplistic league tables.'
 
"The NSW Upper House has this evening put their words into action.
 
"The challenge is now on other states and territories and the
Commonwealth government to implement similar protections for schools
around Australia.
 
"Schools that are struggling need help, not public humiliation.
 
"The strong vote for our amendment is a tribute to the education
unions, principal organisations, parents and citizens bodies, students
and teachers who warned politicians of the damage that would have been
done to many schools,” Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455