The Editor, Sir:

I was reading an article about teachers who failed to identify pupils with learning disabilities and how they should be fired I respect the two educators selected and their views, I believe their solution to the problem is impromptu. This topic requires far deeper dialogues, strategic approaches and a financial plan or commitment by the State.

Jamaica is an island with a primary, secondary and tertiary education system consisting of thousands of educators with varying experiences and education from all corners of the earth. If the Government needs a take on such a vital issue it should have been far more diverse than with two people albeit from the same institution. Failing grades are the best indicator of a problem in any child. So there is no problem identifying these kids.

At the primary level one teacher may teach a class of, say, 30 students all subjects for an entire grade. If one of these students moves on to a secondary level institution, he or she may now have 10 teachers or one for each subject. It's already evident that the primary teacher's input or role on this matter would be far more germane than the secondary.

Vivid tale

The biggest question then is: When these kids are identified by whomever, what is the proposed plan to help them? The Government is saying that this affects 15 per cent of the general population, yet the system does not have staffing or educational facilities for even one per cent of those affected.

I am not an educator, but I am sufficiently educated to know that identifying kids with disability is not the problem as their grades and attendance tell a vivid tale. I also know that grade school teachers have an earlier and greater impact on all kids and their training should reflect more psychological input if they are required to be helpful. Thus, it would seem that guidance counsellors in the primary system are just as vital or more vital than in the secondary system. Teachers are not the problem or the solution here; maybe they can be helpful at best.

This is a complex and chronic State issue. Firing teachers is counterproductive, destructive, visionless and gravely short-sighted.

I am, etc.,

EVERAL MORRIS

Everel2007@yahoo.com

Long Island, NYC

Via Go-Jamaica