Associate Education Minister Pita Sharples has softened criticism of the new national standards in literacy and numeracy, after meeting Prime Minister John Key.
Waatea News reported on Monday that Dr Sharples had grave concerns about the impact on some schools.
Mr Key says he has met the Maori Party co-leader to ensure he has correct information about the standards.
Mr Key says the main issue was league tables and whether parents could rely on that information when choosing a school.
He says he has assured Dr Sharples that the Government has until 2012 to make sure public information is fair and accurate.
Dr Sharples now says he believes the issues can be worked through.
