Time for body to represent students

The Editor: Mr. Trevor Oliver of TTUTA is reported to have called on the Ministry of Education to expel disruptive students from the school system. Mr. Oliver is quoted: “These students must be removed to rehabilitative institutions with an alternative curriculum more suited to their needs and end the frustration they experience.”  The Guidance Supervisor concurred, indicating that the first suspension centre would be opened on April 1st.

Who will be in charge of these children when they are removed from the school system? Teachers? Represented by TTUTA? I can close my eyes and see annual intakes and the grand opening by the Minister of, new institutions every three years or so.  I am afraid to try to project to 2020. This, in my view is a step too far perhaps to a point of no return. When that does not work then what? These pupils are already carrying too many labels.  A new, bigger, negative LABEL would not work! In his address the TTUTA President noted a nexus between curriculum disability and errant behaviour. Then the first and most important task must be to identify loci of curriculum delivery failure (which is easy), and take necessary prescriptive steps. 

In this country we have very many powerful bodies looking after the needs of workers, doctors, community groups, politicians etc.. There is one that champions teachers’ interests and argues cases for teachers who are accused of errancy, citing conditions like poor working environment, unprofessional administrative practices etc.  What we need now is a strong organised body to represent pupils. One that will demand and ensure that all pupils get their just due in all classrooms and argue cases for those accused of errancy. Something tells me that is the function of a professional teachers body and a Ministry of Education.

Volney L Pierre
Mac Lean St.
Palmiste Development
La Romaine