Saving our children

IT IS a matter for concern that some Grade One students in our public schools are said to have mental and physical impairments, which go undetected. Even more disturbing is that overcrowded classrooms have been suspected as the reason for the lack of detection of the deficiencies of these children.

The picture that is being portrayed is one of children with mental and physical problems, problems which can impede and retard the learning process, but who are literally lost in overcrowded classrooms. The awareness of their difficulties only emerges when they are considered failures, having been unsuccessful at the Grade Four Literacy Test. The information provided by Dr. Polly Bowle-Howell, principal of the Stony Hill Primary and Junior High Schools, suggests that as a society we are failing these children. Sixty per cent of them, she says, later fail the Grade Four placement test. Because of their limitations, these children, she says, don't have a chance, and are later thrust upon the society without any skill or proper guidance.

The situation cries out for immediate remedial action. The Minister of Education Mr. Whiteman says he regards the early detection of the problems of the Grade One students as a priority and is in discussion with the Ministry of Health to assist with a screening programme. In light of the urgency of the situation, as presented by the teachers, the screening programme should have been introduced at the start of the new school year.

The detection of the problems of these children is one issue, remedial strategies are another. The latter suggests the need for special classes and teachers with the training to help these children achieve whatever is their potential. Their nutritional needs also have to be taken into consideration.

It will be expensive, but far less costly than for the society to condemn these children to live out their lives in a state of underdevelopment.

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