G. Michael Reid on education reform
Education is a subject of vital interest to all of us, both as individuals and as members of a larger society. Tonight News Five commentator G. Michael Reid takes a look as some recent developments that have been causing a stir.
“The topic of education was placed on the front burner recently when the education department released a draft of its education rules ’98 and the national curriculum for primary schools. I spent the past few weeks perusing these two documents and imploring the opinions of anyone I could find that was even remotely connected to the education system. The general consensus seems to be that while there is not much of a problem with the curriculum, the new set of rules leaves reason for some misgiving. Time of course, does not permit thorough analysis but there are three main points of concerns that we can touch on at this time. Foremost on the list of objections is an edict, which would have placed absolute power in the hands of the minister when it comes to the hiring and firing of teachers. I must say that on this point I am in total agreement with the teachers for I believe that it would in fact, open a door for victimization. Upon talking to the chief education officer however, I was assured that this point in particular had been under review and will most likely be struck from the final draft. A second concern was the matter of licensing and here I support the rules. What is suggested here is that each teacher be properly evaluated and from time to time, spend a few weeks to stay abreast with developments in their field. While the profession of teaching can be tough and for the most part a thankless one, it is important that teachers know how to teach. It is assuring that the new rules will be making provisions toward this end.
Another subject of concern is a clause, which would permit the search of any teacher suspected of having in his or her possession, drugs, weapons or pornographic material. Though the criteria here and the procedure in which the search would be conducted are somewhat vague, I believe that the old adage might apply. If you got nothing to hide, you got nothing to worry about. Teachers must be paragons of virtue for the best lessons are taught by example.
As for the curriculum, I believe that this is an idea whose time has not only come but has been waiting for us to catch up. The alarming rate of repetitions and dropouts at the primary, secondary and even tertiary levels of education would seem to indicate that the status quo is in need of some serious revamping and while this threatens to be a monumental task, the education department in trying to implement this new curriculum, seems to be making a step in the right direction. The biggest problem with this endeavor however, has to do with timing. It comes in the middle of an election year, which is a time when BELIZEANS are rarely of the same mind. Some things will have to transcend politics however, and the welfare of our children should be one of them. I was most impressed by provisions being put in place to place more emphasis on the arts and physical education. While the three R’s are indeed fundamental, without room for fun and artistic expression, the learning process becomes quite drab and boring. This might have more than a little to do with the high rate of dropout.
The new curriculum also requires that by the end of primary school, all students be proficient in English and have at least functional skills in Spanish. Who can object, considering the recent demographic trends. Recent surveys reveal that in fact, BELIZE can hardly still be considered an English speaking country and the acquiring of a second language can only be an asset to our children.
Curriculum implementation of course is a complex issue and will require the active involvement of not only the department of education, but also the students, teachers and parents. As the old proverb goes, it takes an entire village to raise a child.
With the Last Word, G. Michael Reid.”
The opinions expressed on the Last Word are those of G. Michael Reid and not necessarily those of Channel Five. Viewer comments are welcome.
