Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will start with the issue of the social passing. It has been shown that students who repeat a grade, or are held back, seldom make significant academic progress and rarely catch up with their peers.
This is information that has been looked at by the department. Therefore, the system exists for having the social passing system so students stay with their age group. They are provided academic programs to their level. I understand what the Member is saying, but I think with the information the department is providing, it seems to indicate there is justification for having this particular system in place.
With regard to the level of competency of students, he is correct. There needs to be attention paid to the fact that from time to time, students need to be assessed as to the level of ability they are at. If they are in grade 11, are they at that level? There is no system of testing, to my knowledge, for the various levels, which may be something, depending upon the cost, of course, that could be looked at down the road as a possibility.
The early childhood education is a very important area. The department is working with the Department of Health and Social Services on an Early Childhood Development Action Plan. That plan is looking at identifying key areas that could be addressed. We know programs like the Aboriginal Head Start program provides significant improvements in children before they enter the classroom. I have talked with teachers and found their response to this to be very positive. These types of programs have a very good effect.
With regard to general programs in the school and the need for programs like industrial arts, the potential for much industrial activity like the pipeline, then yes, there needs to be some consideration given to that particular end. Thank you.