Taking EDC seriously

The aim of the Educational Development Conference is to arrive at educational policies based on the needs that the New Zealand people feel exist. This, at least, was the idea the Minister of Education had in mind when he announced early in 1973 that such a conference would be held.

The EDC has been organised by the Advisory Council on Educational Planning (ACEP)'

The first phase was to set up discussion groups. Numerous groups from all parts of the country registered with the conference. The groups were invited to present summaries of their meetings and submissions to ACEP who in turn filed the individual reports and collated the various suggestions into regional summaries.

The second phase, which is now in operation, involves area seminars. The working party reports mentioned above are to be among the basic documents for discussion at these meetings which are going on throughout April and May. The reports from these seminars will also reach ACEP.

They will then compile a public report advising the Government on the directives it should perhaps take in order to improve education in New Zealand.

Although the EDC may seem to be a liberal but futile effort and perhaps with good grounds (I was told by one of the ogranisers that a large majority of discussion groups consisted of middle-class rather than working-class people), it still would pay to make an effort to affect the decisions by participating.

The ways in which people may participate are 1) by making submissions to ACEP or the Minister of Education, and 2) by attending regional seminars. There is one running from May 10—11 at the Victoria University lecture block. Registration forms are available in the Studass Office.

If those wishing to make submissions either as individuals or groups could leave me a copy by handing it in to the Studass Office it would be very much appreciated. The reason is that the NZUSA Education Officer Graeme Clarke wishes to ascertain the effect of the ideas of university students on the final ACEP report.