"Back to Basics" Or "Forward to Basics"‪?‬

Politicians have used the promise of "back to basics in our schools" as an educational platform for some time now, possibly in recognition that this is something the general population perceives as an issue they might just vote for. In the various positions I have held, both professional and in community service, I have been required to respond to ministerial correspondence, questions on notice in parliament, questions by the media and policy positions on issues such as the following: