“Failing schools” was one of the headlined issues United People’s (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley plans to tackle (see Thursday newspaper) when legislative meetings resume after the summer recess. He mentioned a passing rate of just 52% in certain cases.
The opposition member did not point fingers, but said, “We as a community or as leaders have failed to adjust our learning system, whereby our students can benefit.”
United Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) MP Veronica Jansen-Webster in today’s edition directly addressed Milton Peters College (MPC) and what she called a deteriorating academic performance there. The coalition member too spoke of “failure” and dismal results, with only little more than half the students passing their exams.
In fact 65% graduated after the standard second (chance) examination round. That’s still enough reason to be concerned, mind you.
However, it’s not just a matter of schools. Teachers have been struggling for years with youth who seem ever less attentive and more easily distracted.
When combined with an overall breakdown in values such as discipline and respect for elders or authority, effectively managing a classroom and educating those in it has become an increasingly difficult task. The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” comes to mind.
This regards parents, but also others in a position to contribute positively and ultimately society as a whole. Kids, including teenagers, require good role models. When most examples they see and experience are somehow negative, the challenge to keep them on the right path grows.
One helpful practical idea might be to ban personal mobile electronic devices from classrooms and even school grounds as many countries have either already done or are considering. Talk about the need to focus on lessons.
