According to this report covering Tony Abbott's week in remote Aboriginal communities; Tony Abbott has claimed credit for achievements at Bamaga Primary School in the Northern Area Peninsula to which he is not entitled. It appears that Abbott didn't check to find out why the school was doing so well and just claimed it resulted from the funding of attendance officers and using Noel Pearson's suggestions he backs.
"... But the head of the school's P&C and husband of the school's principal, Richard McLean, said the remote attendance officers were not a key reason so many kids were coming to class.
He said the statistics were just as positive before the attendance officers started work. ..."
"... "I believe the credit needs to go to where it is deserved," he said.
"It's things like working collaboratively with parents, understanding the community, stronger relationships with families and students, great teachers - not just wanting to come up here for the points or the lifestyle - and really good leadership along valuing our identity.
"We also set high expectations for our students and with the support from parents and teachers we are seeing them succeed.
"This, in turn, empowers the students and they are proud to come to school because of their success."
"... Mr Mclean objected to Mr Abbott's statement.
"That's not correct at all. There is no direct instruction taught in this school, it's explicit teaching and explicit teaching only," he said. ..."
