By Francine Black, Staff ReporterTHE NATIONAL Secondary Student Council (NSSC) is proposing that greater accountability and higher standards for teachers be adopted by the Ministry of Education.
The council conducted regional consultations in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, St. Thomas, St. James, St. Mary, Manchester and Westmoreland with students following the Prime Minister's call for a review of education and proposals to use education as an engine of growth.
Following the consultations a report was compiled with 10 proposals that were presented at the launch of NSSC week under the theme 'Can U Hear US Now?' at the Wolmer's high school last Thursday afternoon.
ONGOING TRAINING
The presenters, Diego Morris, president of the NSSC and Yanive Nelson, vice-president said students believe that teachers should be penalised for missing classes. It was also proposed that teachers participate in ongoing training to continuously improve their teaching skills.
"Teacher absence from classes should be addressed by salary deductions and reflected on the teacher's permanent record ...There should be mandatory training courses for all teachers," the proposal said.
The council also said there was a need for students to be represented at the highest level of decision-making in the education system.
"Listen to us, communicate with us and include us at the highest levels of decision-making. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture is there to serve us. As good business managers, you cannot forget your customers," the proposal said.
Other recommendations include better physical infrastructure to accommodate disabled students, libraries with a standard collection of books, and better bathroom facilities. They also called for programmes for drop outs and rural and inner city schools, which have very little resources.
TECHNICAL COMPONENT
In addition, the students urged that the sixth form curriculum be reshaped to include a technical component, which prepares students for internship and entrepreneurial exploits making it more relevant to students.
This it is believed would provide an alternative for those students who cannot afford to go to university.
The council also suggested there be stronger entry and graduation requirements at teachers' colleges and that each teacher should have at least a Bachelor's degree in their subject areas.
Their final proposal called for a commitment of resources, clearly defined goals and timelines for an effective review of the system.
"Understand that any student who leaves the secondary school system illiterate was failed by the system, not only the institution," the students said.
The study is being developed into a paper that will be submitted to the Ministry of Education.
