EDUCATION POLICY.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20283, 27 August 1937, Page 6

EDUCATION POLICY.

The Minister of Education has outlined briefly some of the changes he intends to make in the education system of the Dominion. Mr Fraser has concentrated his attention on these matters ever since he took office. When the report of the Director of Education was being discussed last year the Minister said that the Government was contemplating advances that would be “real advances in the educational life of the community.” Fortunately, as he lias found, there is general agreement with regard to the need for progressive measures. The matters mentioned by Mr Fraser probably were those which he thought were of the most immediate interest to members of education boards and school committees. The more general matters will be dealt with in the legislation that is to be introduced. There is one extension promised that should prove of exceptional value, and that is the appointment of vocational guidance officers. During the depression several qualified men did work of the greatest value in dealing with boys who had left school and were finding it difficult, if not impossible, to get suitable employment. This work undoubtedly was of direct value to many lads, and if it is entrusted to men who have studied psychology in relation to employment—and the experts to train them are happily available —then many a boy will be prevented from making a serious mistake and will be encouraged and assisted to find work in the sphere where his qualifications will have the fullest play. Apparently the education structure is not to be radically amended. The existing authorities will continue their work with a more generous measure of assistance from the State in many ways, and the greater the degree of co-operation the Minister can obtain from parents, teachers and the various organisations the better it will be for the children. It is known that Mr Fraser takes a broad view of these matters, and that he is in earnest in his efforts to bring the education system of the Dominion up-to-date. He should be able to count on the most willing assistance.