Recently Education Minister Andrew Holness has made the news on
many occasions whether it be grading primary school principals or
expressing what he really thinks about the GSAT examination. Andrew
Holness has not been forceful in his capacity and also has not led in
the right areas as the Minister of Education.
When in opposition Holness served as Opposition Minister of Education which would have given him adequate knowledge of the inefficiencies within the ministry and would have provided him with a working framework to change policies. What have we seen of this Minister? Holness appears in the news blaming everyone else but himself for not leading to eradicating the inequity and changing policies at his ministry. We owe it to the younger generation to develop an education system that is fair and one that will provide them with the best education to make them productive for this rapidly changing world.
Clearly, there are problems with the curriculum of the GSAT examination which must be fixed. Annually, we complain of how stressful the curriculum is, and the many faults the exam has where students at grade six are judged on topics that will be covered at higher levels. Next year around this time we will still be discussing the faults within the examination. Are we seeing a cycle here?
Blaming teachers' colleges for accepting teachers that are not up to par cannot be accepted. Holness has the power to influence teachers' colleges to improve on their standards to benefit the education product. I am frustrated with Holness pushing the blame around highlighting the facts we already know. Holness should stand firm and effect the changes that ought to be made to make our education system improve giving our children the best opportunities.
Next year at this time we should be stating that requirements at the teachers' colleges were improved upon; changes to the curriculum were implemented making the exam relevant for grade six students; the ratio between teacher and students were reduced among other things. When are we going to get serious and hold Andrew Holness accountable for the shortfalls in the education ministry? After all, he is responsible.
When in opposition Holness served as Opposition Minister of Education which would have given him adequate knowledge of the inefficiencies within the ministry and would have provided him with a working framework to change policies. What have we seen of this Minister? Holness appears in the news blaming everyone else but himself for not leading to eradicating the inequity and changing policies at his ministry. We owe it to the younger generation to develop an education system that is fair and one that will provide them with the best education to make them productive for this rapidly changing world.
Clearly, there are problems with the curriculum of the GSAT examination which must be fixed. Annually, we complain of how stressful the curriculum is, and the many faults the exam has where students at grade six are judged on topics that will be covered at higher levels. Next year around this time we will still be discussing the faults within the examination. Are we seeing a cycle here?
Blaming teachers' colleges for accepting teachers that are not up to par cannot be accepted. Holness has the power to influence teachers' colleges to improve on their standards to benefit the education product. I am frustrated with Holness pushing the blame around highlighting the facts we already know. Holness should stand firm and effect the changes that ought to be made to make our education system improve giving our children the best opportunities.
Next year at this time we should be stating that requirements at the teachers' colleges were improved upon; changes to the curriculum were implemented making the exam relevant for grade six students; the ratio between teacher and students were reduced among other things. When are we going to get serious and hold Andrew Holness accountable for the shortfalls in the education ministry? After all, he is responsible.
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