THE EDITOR, Sir:
MR. STEPHEN VASCIANNIE in his commentary in The Gleaner of July 22, 2002 wanted to be candid in dispelling the myth about the similarity in the quality of education offered by traditional and reclassified schools. However, I think the article may serve to further demoralise the teachers who work within the reclassified schools.
While aspects of his article, including the tongue-in-cheek 'working fingers to the bone' may demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics involved, he did not give teachers in the reclassified schools the commendation they deserve for working miracles with the students they have, and the resources that are available to them.
These schools have come through great odds. They have to compete on a playing field that is not level. They struggle with inequality in availability of financial resources which is very important for academic success. Despite the Ministry's claim that the formula for the allocation of grants is the same for all school types, I doubt the reality.
There is also disparity in school fees. The average annual approved fee for the reclassified schools is much lower than that of the traditional schools.
It is no secret that private sector is not as benevolent to the reclassified schools as to the traditional schools. This is partly due to the long established tradition with the traditional schools.
In the majority of cases, the top performers on the GSAT are accommodated at the traditional high schools. The reclassified schools have to develop those they receive.
The Ministry of Education admitted that the reclassified schools lack crucial facilities such as science laboratories. The Ministry is addressing these matters. It should also be noted that the increase in performance for the years compared is about the same for all school types. Despite the name change for these schools and the attempt to reduce the pass/fail mentality, parents and students have inferior feelings about these schools.
Finally, academic success ought not to be based solely on access to tertiary education. The ability of students to function as productive citizens should also be considered. Reclassified schools are tops in that area.
So, I support Mr. Vasciannie's call for a reduction in the quality gap, but a pat on the shoulder makes the work much lighter.
I am etc.,
KEBLE DAWKINS
Kldaw@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica
