THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE EDUCATION system has moved on from Common Entrance to GSAT examinations, but the distribution of students among our schools, remains unchanged.
Traditional high schools are graced with a student body that has achieved 90 - 100% passes, and scholarships are usually given this group. The remaining percentages are then distributed among other schools with the infamous ones receiving the students with the lowest passes.
I am making a strong appeal through this medium to the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture, on behalf of principals, parents/guardians and all well thinking Jamaicans to encourage equal distribution of 'A' students and scholarships to upgraded as well as traditional high schools.
The upgraded high schools will not be able to produce excellent CXC/GCE results if they continue to receive only students in need of remedial work, despite the fact that they have been placed in a school under the GSAT recommendation.
'MIRACLES'
Many of our upgraded high schools are creating 'miracles' and the teachers are working assiduously to bring students, up to par with prominent traditional high schools. Much time is spent on remedial work that is needed to complete the syllabus or curriculum. Many of these students are often those who are undisciplined, have been psychologically abused, frustrated, traumatised and neglected. Their problem is compounded with low self-esteem and inferiority complexes created by the system and the society at large.
The stigma and label attached to the non-traditional high schools over the years result in protests, lack of support for the school and parent-teacher associations, inadequate subvention/
funding, poor laboratory facilities and infrastructure, unpleasant/degrading environment, all of which help to undermine the true value of some of these schools.
It is high time to widen or equalise the education system so that every school is considered functional; able to provide excellent, enriching programmes, extra-curricular activities for the development of all students and for the advancement of Jamaica. This would be a most appreciated positive change if effected in September 2003.
The educational system could perhaps consider the following enrichment programmes in addition to equal distribution of students:
Upgrade all high schools and provide proper infrastructure and facilities and subsidy for all students.
Employ social workers/truancy officers to work with schools and communities to ensure regular attendance of classes and to assist with the removal of students from the streets during school hours.
Have special education units/teachers in all schools and correct problems from basic school, kindergarten and grade one.
Employ only trained teachers, especially at the basic and primary school levels.
Include policies that make parents/guardians more accountable and responsible for their children's general well being.
Respect the rights of all children and remind them of their responsibilities.
Remind children of their duty to God first, according to the Scriptures, their fellowmen and themselves through the continuous instilling of values and attitudes. A continuous reminder of God's requirements for mankind will lead to upright behaviour.
I am, etc.,
ANNETTE BAILEY-
SARGEANT (Mrs.)
Social worker/
Guidance counsellor
College Common, Mona
