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Recently, six primary schools that were identified as failing schools have again underperformed in the Grade Four Numeracy Test, the results of which were published last week. What steps should be taken to rectify the problem?

Start with the teachers. Are they taking this seriously? What are the consequences to INDIVIDUALS? The United States fired teachers who were not making the grade. Follow suit, I say!

- Janet McLean Johnson

Both teachers and parents need to play a more pivotal role in children's lives. Some parents do not help and [do not] steer their child on the path which is right. Teachers can do so much, but when the child goes home, the parents need to take up that teacher's role.

- Amado Danni

You cannot point fingers at anyone until they make an attempt to edit and update the curriculum. Children in 2012 should not be using the same curriculum as they did in the '90s.

Times and people have changed.

As a teacher, there are those of us in the profession who need to modernise our approach to teaching. Parents need to be more involved at home and in school. Last, students need to take their education more seriously, because times are hard.

- Paulette Atkinson-Grant

Teachers have a big role to play in these children's lives. Parents also need to take the time out to help their children. Once teachers and parents have a good relationship, it makes the link stronger. Hence the child will be motivated to learn.

Teachers need to find creative ways of bringing the lesson across. Also, more guidance counsellors are needed in schools. Music helps, so it can be taught as well.

- Calcia Sashique Calvin

I hope they do not lay all the blame at the teachers' feet; people always try to find scapegoats. It is obvious that something is fundamentally wrong with those schools.

First, they have to identify the various problems and take the necessary actions, bearing in mind a child's education begins at home.

- Sylvester Barrett

Only those who receive a firm early-childhood foundation can cross it. That is why some persons decide to homeschool their children.

- Clive Atkinson

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What do you think should be done to curb gang violence in schools?

Increase police presence and/or visits to schools!

- GamalWill

Maybe, the schools should consider working in partnership with JCF and have full-time school police officers assigned to problem schools.

- TechMediaInk

They should have community service and rehabilitation for persons involved.

- DaleSpaniard

More community service and school trips to the island prisons. Show them both sides of the coin.

- SexySeductresss

Use metal detectors; and expel students known to be associated with gangs. If known, call in parents to discuss consequences.

- Honichile

This is a deep-rooted problem. They have to assign soldiers as disciplinarians and counsellors in the schools.

- pfoster

Things like that need to start from the home. Perhaps, more parent-student interaction/mentorship programmes will help.

- Arhazivory

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