Dear Editor,
An education colleague asked me what I thought of the VP’s announcement about on-line schools and school vouchers in the future. I said it couldn’t be more brilliant. But the VP also profoundly said teacher attendance and teacher quality are important (See “Govt. mulls giving parents $700,000 voucher to send children to private schools,” KN, June 8, 2024; “Gov’t exploring e-schooling, voucher system for private schools in light of strike – Jagdeo,” SN, June 8, 2024).
In North Carolina where I live, we have about 5 on-line charter schools that serve either K-12 students or just high school students. We also have a “voucher” programme where students are given cash to pay fees when they choose to attend private schools, including schools run by churches. Additionally, we have “Charter Schools” which have some flexibility in curriculum and management. Charter Schools are public schools and are populated by students who chose to go there rather than attending the regular public school in their catchment area.
At this time, Guyana may not be ready for on-line schools. The Internet infrastructure is weak and poor in 9 regions. George-town and Region 4 do better in Internet services. So, if we introduce on-line schools, 9 regions would be inadequately prepared and there will not be equal access. It will perpetuate more inequalities. Our number one problem in education is unequal access, and unequal opportunities in the other 9 regions compared to Region 4/Georgetown. We are far away from equity or parity. Participation in GOAL mirrors the inequities in technology among the regions. So, unless we deal with the root cause of technology availability, on-line schools would be another Region 4/Georgetown thing, as usual. There must be a readiness plan for on-line schools that includes widespread technology use now. This is a top priority. For integrating technology in instruction, every classroom teacher across Guyana should be provided a computer and a big screen TV, as a minimum. One or two “smart” classrooms in a handful of schools is woefully inadequate in a digital age. Government should also consider providing either a computer or a good quality tablet to students to facilitate differentiated instruction, integrating technology in instruction, and engaged learning. Teachers here teach largely through “chalk and talk” and “lecturing.” In the USA, if you teach like that, it would get you easily fired. Either repurpose the “Because We Care” cash grants specifically for technology, or provide a tablet or computer in addition to the cash grant.
Because 9 regions have very few private schools, if any, again a voucher programme will mainly help Region 4/Georgetown, not the rural, remote areas. This will exacerbate the inequities across the country, not solve them.
The Government’s concerns about teacher performance, teacher attendance, and accountability are on target. A 30% absentee rate is morally reprehensible, and this must change dramatically. I am sure the GTU will support all efforts at a robust accountability for schools. Any new Collective Bargaining Agreement must include strong teacher accountability provisions. Our children deserve better from all our schools!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jerry Jailall
Civil Society Advocate
