Dear Editor,
I refer to a report in Stabroek News’ online edition of January 1, 2014, captioned ‘Focus on training teachers as ministry zeroes in on quality of education.’
Unfortunately, this very carefully crafted statement as reported includes no clarification of the concept “access to classroom/education.” I was surprised to learn from it that the Ministry of Education just recently achieved “access” and became elevated to the position of “poised to discuss and pursue quality” in education delivery. Indeed, the report also states, that in a 5 year time-frame, only 80% of public school (PS) teachers could be trained (initially with an Associate Degree in Education ‒ apparently in general certificate scope).
If this is true, during the training period and beyond the unwanted potential exists for a large number of inefficient PS teachers to be faced with tremendous challenges in translating ministry policy mandates for educational reform into effective and relevant delivery methodologies. Consequently, many PS students will continue to suffer, but more importantly, public education itself may suffer through significant student haemorrhage from the public education system to the private schools. If this situation occurs, poor PS students who must depend on the public school system for an education will be plunged into an unenviable comparative disadvantage.
Sadly, the reported statement also does not include any reference to training for the proverbial education monitors, ie school-based as well as non-school-based supervisors (whatever their official titles may be) who are usually charged with monitoring and guiding education delivery in public schools. Perhaps, a more profound and comprehensive review of the current plan to improve public education in Guyana should be undertaken by the ministry and local collaborating agencies. I am sure that the Ministry of Education cannot do this alone.
However, that there is current official talk of education reform is indeed a good sign, but much more than talk is required. It is time to roll up shirt sleeves and get to work. When performances by the entire Guyanese student population are considered one finds no real ‘wow’ achievement by the ministry to celebrate at this time.
Yours faithfully,
Hawley R Holder
