The EDITOR, Sir:
It is with apprehension that I regard the recently unveiled report on education reform. For several years, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture has had excellent ideas and documentation that were designed to revamp the education system. Based on observation, the ministry has too many functionaries equipped with knowledge for improving education, but who are unable to determine the systematic process for implementing and co-ordinating the various projects that should lead to a first-rate education system. An architect knows how to design a state-of-the-art building/structure, but he or she does not necessarily know how to construct that building or structure. In everything one does there has to be a process. To try the last stage first may create chaos, amorality, or an indefinite delay in the plan of action. Any one outcome has the potential to unearth undesirable consequences.
I have had great admiration for the administrators and teachers of Ardenne High School. The school places tremendous value on human resources. Indeed, I was not surprised that the administrators provided a wonderful opportunity for their students to listen and be inspired by a student from another institution. The wellspring of hope, generosity, and encouragement that was generated by hosts and guest speaker was awesome.
A few years ago, I performed an education diagnostic evaluation on an articulate, intelligent student of Ardenne. His parents were particularly concerned with his grades in mathematics. The prescriptive teaching that I administered for him to approach the subject with gusto and correct deficiencies did not go unnoticed. The teachers of mathematics at his school asked for, and received, guidelines to improve the teaching of mathematics to students who show signs of perseveration. That was a heartening moment, given the fact that I was a member of staff of another high school and had no affiliation to Ardenne at that time. There is much evidence to show that the students, parents, and staff of Ardenne High School are special.
Our society is filled with dynamic, competent teachers whose diligence, vision and enthusiasm are stymied by the insensitivity of the education ministry enabled by some school administrators. The public can rant and rave until the sky turns purple and the fields become white, if a school administrator is satisfied with the lack of amenities and mediocre performance, except in the quite visible sporting arena, then we will continue to turn out average and illiterate students and retain frustrated teachers.
In returning to the process of implementing strategies, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture must begin with the upgrading of the physical conditions of schools while addressing the need to have graduate trained teachers placed in early childhood education centres to augment the transformation process in education. This simultaneous action is guaranteed to create an environment that is conducive to the teaching/learning task. Undoubtedly, Jamaica will be richer for this important beginning.
I am, etc.,
DR. YVONNE M. BRIGHT
Constant Spring Gardens
Kingston 8
