GSAT Reveals Upsetting Truth!

GSAT results are out! But the findings, aahh not too pleasant. The Ministry of Education revealed that of the 167 High Schools in Jamaica only 50 of them were schools of choice, they also brought to light that some schools were not even selected.

Education Minister Andrew Holness lamented that this is a problem that needs to be fixed and he will try his best to ensure that the remaining schools become schools of choice.

Any reasonable individual can see for themselves that the findings from the GSAT students and of course parents address the state of the education system. It shows that far less than half the schools in the island are considered worthy of attending.But you cant really blame the parents now can you? No one wants their child to attend a school that would 'on the surface' set them up for failure and students dont want to be mocked or frowned at because they're attending a school that is below standard.
Schools maintain these statuses for a number of reasons.

Underqualified and incompetent teachers are abundant in the nontraditional high schools. If you pay attention to the news you'll find yourself scoffing at even the principals, who themselves can't construct a proper, grammatically correct sentence. If this is happening of course it sets up the students and school for failure. The grade average of the school plummets or remains stagnant (for the schools with already low averages), thus dissuading students from wanting to attend. The Ministry of Education should ensure that reliable teachers are employed in all schools and not only ivy league.

Some schools mainly the nontraditional ones are strictly technical, with a curriculum geared towards technical and vocational subjects paving a way for lower end occupations, like hair dressing. Whereas the traditional schools offers subjects that prepare students for prestigious occupations like Law. If this continues to be the case then the ministry cannot expect change. It is also known that some of the nontraditional schools do not have an advanced level, some don't even offer most CSEC subjects and you ask why students dont want to go to these schools? The Ministry must address this problem - all schools should prepare students for the same level jobs and provide them with the same educational opportunities.

A softer approach would  be for the Ministry to advertise these schools as schools worthy of attending. Showcase the achievements of the school, the qualifications of the teachers, safe environment and so on. It works! Look at St. Jago, it was the second preferred school for students who sat the GSAT exam this year. Some would argue that it's their success in the SCQ competition. St. Jago was already a traditional high school, but you see my point.

To achieve immediate results the Ministry should revoke the student choices option placing students into schools randomly, of course bearing in mind the location. This will ensure that there is equal distribution of students in all institutions, eradicating the labels imposed on schools, that is, bright or dunce and providing students with the same educational opportunities.

Categories: education , gsat , Jamaica , social commentary