Dear Editor,
We have witnessed a number of reviews and analyses of the results of the recently concluded CSEC examinations. Great concerns have been expressed and even recommendations made. However, in all of this discourse one important development seems to have been completely missed – the performance of the pilot schools in the public system. While the Minister herself has spoken about our “dismal” overall results with visible personal disappointment, clearly, the success in the pilot schools is a hopeful sign and something for us all to applaud.
It is clear that whatever measures the government implemented in the pilot schools to boost performance and results have without a doubt been successful. We have seen that in the case of both English Language and Mathematics, our pilot schools were significantly ahead of the regional averages.
Since the intervention by the Minister of Education, Ms Manickchand and her team has been vindicated by the results, we simply need to stay the course and aggressively forge ahead. Looking after the nation’s education system is not the same as managing a single school. There is no need for panic, and this Minister has shown that with the right approach success can be achieved. I want to personally congratulate Minister Manickchand and her team.
I have seen her energy and commitment, and she, perhaps more than any other person, can help us move to a higher level.
The education of our young people is something too precious and important to be left to teachers and the government alone. Parents must know that they have a greater role and responsibility in this partnership. Almost without an exception we have seen that where parents are involved in their children’s education, the results are good.
The excuse that parents can’t cope with the higher level of education of their children and therefore they can’t be of any help in homework cannot be accepted. My parents had no formal schooling, yet they saw to it that I did my work. Parents need to enforce the habit of industry, and the result will take care of itself.
Yours faithfully,
Swami Aksharananda
Principal
Saraswati Vidya Niketan