THE EDITOR, Sir:

The enthusiasm that Andrew Holness brings to the Ministry of Education is refreshing. I am particularly impressed with his ambition to create an education trust fund, and his bold plan to reduce illiteracy. Andrew is one of the better - or more visible - ministers in the current administration, and has the potential to effect positive change.

The idea of ensuring that students can read and count before grade seven is common sense. I have 'fond' memories of being 'roughed up' by my grade two teacher, because I couldn't remember that 12x12 is 144. Oh, the good old days of tough love.

Because of my belief in the good intentions of the minister, I unequivocally reject Mr Seaga's theory which I call 'learning by embarrassment'. After reading the former prime minister's article in The Sunday Gleaner (April 6, 2008), I was left to wonder if, in this day and age, he believes that all slow students are slow by choice.

In his support of keeping students in primary school until their academic level improves, Seaga stated that "it would change the attitude of students and parents who would work harder to avoid being labelled as dunce bats". He further stated that "teachers would work harder to avoid their schools being categorised as dunce bat schools".

illiteracy problem

I hope Mr Seaga's advice does not hold traction with the decision makers in the ministry. While some aspects of our illiteracy problem can be addressed by parents (being more nurturing, ensuring that homework is done, reading to/with their children), students and the schools (innovative approach to teaching), the ministry has a greater role to play than just keeping back students and praying that everything will work.

absence of psychological testing

A major problem I've discussed with friends over the years is the absence of psychological testing in primary schools. Let's face the reality: several in Mr Seaga's 'dunce-bat' category suffer from learning disabilities, and would be better served by professional help than wearing a dunce cap.

The minister's plan to address illiteracy and innumeracy must include provision to identify and support students who have dyslexia (and other reading disabilities), dysgraphia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Autism and other learning and development disorders.

brilliant students

I strongly believe that a school should be developed in each county (if not each parish) to address these issues. Many of these students are brilliant and can be reached using graphics, music and participation as learning aids.

There are other students in our society who are not good at academics but are naturally talented in other areas. As we develop our educational infrastructure, 'magnet schools' (geared towards particular disciplines, such as performing arts) should be considered. The curriculum at primary schools should also be looked at with an aim of giving a greater leaning to 'liberal arts type' courses. The focus should evolve from just producing readers and writers, to developing thinkers.

I am, etc.,

OMAR NEWELL

omar.newell@gmail.com

New York, NY

Via Go-Jamaica