The Editor, Sir:

While most Jamaicans are caught up in the web of electioneering, educators and parents are busy trying to get our house in order before the next school year which begins in less than 21 days. Each school year brings some age-old problems such as overcrowding, lack of furniture and not to mention the absence of pertinent facilities which are necessary to enhance the teaching/learning process. Situations like these put school administrators in an awkward position as we now have to find ways and means of improvising sometimes to the detriment of other key areas in school management.

In assessing the performance of educational players and policymakers since the last quarter of the last century, much strides have been made but much more is left to be done. The education system could do well with some fresh ideas and energies that will create the kind of First-World education system we so yearn for.

As an educator and administrator, I have some very serious concerns. Over the years, primary and secondary schools pride themselves in churning out students who are functionally literate. This cannot go on for much longer. We support the Education Ministry for undertaking the task of introducing a special literacy programme to combat any literacy problem in grades one to three. This newest initiative is an indication that we are finally coming to our senses. The challenge that now faces school administration is having the calibre of teachers in the grades who are equal to the task. In small schools, the task of the principal is even greater as he/she is left with hardly any option of shifting around the staff. This then leaves our children who are our main clients in a vulnerable situation as they become shafted in the process. I long for the day when the Ministry of Education will commit itself in giving each school a literacy specialist irrespective of its grade and location.

The Jamaica Teachers' Association will convene its back-to-school conference in a matter of days and the new leadership must be advised that it has work to do to ensure that the policymakers maintain the same pace like other countries that are working towards gaining universal access to education. Let us not be fooled! Before this can be done, all facilities will have to be put in place to ensure quality education.

One final point which I would like to impress upon the leadership of the Jamaica Teachers' Associaton is that of ensuring that teachers are transferred within cluster or zone. This undoubtedly will reduce the lethargic behaviour that some teachers develop because of being planted in one environment for far too long as well as awake in them the need to be on the go as they face new and different environments. It is now or never. The education system awaits with bated breath the outcome of the elections which will then determine if the education system changes course or stays on course. Time will tell!

I am, etc.,

HARVEY BROWN

harveybrown2007@yahoo.com

Administrator of a small primary

school in rural Jamaica