THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE ANALYSIS presented by Dr. Minott and his team with regards to the performances of our local secondary institutions should be of grave concern to every Jamaican. Although not universally accepted, the analysis has been an eye opener to all of us. Regardless of the standing of your alma mater, the macro
picture should always be borne in mind.
The question we should be asking is who should be blamed? Personally, I believe as a nation we all have failed to provide the requisite platform to build a proper educational system. The Government has attempted with minimal success to improve the education system.
The fact is that the education system is handicapped by lack of funding, poor quality teaching, de-motivated teachers and the effect of the general erosion of the social fabric of this country. This is not a political issue, however, the Minister of Education as the CEO of the nation's educational system must take some of the blame.
However, it goes beyond the Minister; the school principals as micro-managers have played and will continue to play a pivotal role in the educational system. They are paid to micro-manage but obviously they are not managing effectively. If we are going to celebrate the principals of Immaculate Conception and Campion College as doing exceptional work, then we should blame the principals of St. George's College, Trench Town, Calabar, Jamaica College, Clarendon College and others for the poor to mediocre output.
For years our teachers have been crying out because of the poor treatment that they have received from the Government. Could the output be a result of their input? The truth is too many of the nation's teachers are unconcerned about the welfare of their students. They might teach but whether the /students learn or not it seems that is not of importance to them. But how can teachers motivate when they themselves need motivation? Could the poor performances be as a result of poor parenting? Undoubtedly, yes, if these students were given adequate and quality supervision and assistance then the results would be more pleasing to everyone.
Too many parents are leaving the development of their children to the government's institutions. Parents should recognise that they have an important duty to perform. With the poor macro-economic status of the country increasingly, we are going to witness reduction in funding allocated to social projects, therefore parents will now have to fill the vacancies.
Therefore it is without doubt that the failure of the educational system is partly because of the Government, principals, teachers, parents and all other agents of socialisation. I urge every Jamaican to give something back to their alma mater, not only in monetary terms but anything that can enhance the future assets of the country the youths.
I am, etc.,
DENLL VENDOR BARNES
Dbarnes75@yahoo.com
Kingston 8
