THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT'S NOT surprising that so much time has been spent debating the result of the finding of the CXC examinations with most of the criticisms coming from other schools and parents whose children attending the schools that are not rated among the top three. The recent statistical report of the performance of the schools in Jamaica is all about ranking or rating of schools at the academic level and should not be seen as an insult or the end of the world.
It's a known fact, Mr. Editor, that experience of failure in all aspects of our society has come as a result of breakdown of the standard of moral principles in the home which has produced the type of culture where even babies are allowed to behave like adults as soon as they start walking. Children attending most of the schools with low marks are no exception.
It's against this background that I believe that the finding of Dennis Minott's report is accurate, for as long as morality is absent from the first institution 'the home' it will eventually affect the whole process of education and the country on a whole.
Instead of condemning the revelation of the Minott report, I am suggesting that schools which have been disappointed with the results of the finding hire the services of a marketing and research company to conduct a survey to determine why Immaculate, Wolmer's Girls, Campion College are ranked the top three schools with 'A' marks. This might help them to accept Dennis Minott's report and give them the wisdom to take the experience in the light of new development as a part of the process of learning and motivation for both students and teachers alike to work harder.
But the harmful effect of pride as a first step forward must be swallowed. Because too much emphasis has been placed on education for the pride of one's self and the school as an institution in particular, instead of the advancement of the whole human race. This trend cannot be good for the welfare of the country.
I am, etc.,
LEONARD B. OLIVER
P.O. Box 3353
Kingston 8
