THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE RECENT study conducted by Dr. Dennis Minott on the performance of the secondary schools in the 2003 CXC examinations in 16 subjects has certainly stirred up a hornet's nest. Many of us are however not surprised by the findings, but rather on the ridiculous responses of some principals.
We need to look critically at the study and use it as a catalyst for change in the way we now do things. If we look closely at the schools in the top 10 and listen to their comments we could infer that discipline plays an important part in the whole mix in the achievement level of the students. However, we are cognizant of the fact that the quality of the students entering the secondary system leaves much to be desired.
It is obvious that the education system needs an overhaul. For decades the data had been showing that the graduates of the primary schools were non-functional in literacy and numerical skills. If we are not producing quality students at the primary level how can we expect quality at the end of the secondary training?
The teachers in the primary schools cannot be absolved of the blame. They are just as culpable, especially those of the grades one to three (1-3). They should be held accountable for promoting students to Grade Four who are illiterate and in-numerate. The 'Shelter Plus' is a good concept but intervention must begin earlier with a high success rate. We should demand 'quality' at the end of the primary education.
The secondary schools are faced with a mammoth task, but with good leadership and management skills parents and students can be challenged to accept and work towards a vision of high levels of success and discipline in each school. We know that many students are faced with mitigating circumstances that militate against the learning process, but the schools must take on the challenge in order to lift the education system from this conundrum with which we are faced as a nation.
The Minott study is a wake-up call. Please listen!
I am, etc.,
HYACINTH FORBES
Belvedere
Red Hills
