Gopeesingh blames Garcia for poor SEA results

At a media conference on Wednesday, Garcia said 2,170 pupils earned less than 30 per cent in the examination while the number of pupils overall, scoring over 50 percent, dipped from 64.84 percent last year to 63.22 percent this year.

In a media release, Gopeesingh pointed out that Garcia and his colleague Dr Lovell Francis had “quashed a comprehensive package of measures that had led to the best ever SEA academic achievement in 2014, which was even bettered in 2015.” “This year, close to 15 per cent of SEA students scored less than 30 per cent. The number of students achieving less than 30 per cent had been reduced to one per cent under the People’s Partnership government,” Gopeesingh said. He observed that some of the measures which had been reduced included the provision of moderators and facilitators in more than 200 primary schools to provide one-on-one assistance to students.

“In addition, targeted support was provided in creative writing.

Students were asked to write ten essays over a year with the top five being elected. The ministers of education have also discontinued the more than 400 homework centres which had provided essential learning opportunities to students, especially those who are most in need.” He said there had been a significant reduction in the number of personnel in the Student Support Services division, including guidance counsellors, social workers and educational psychologists.

“Further, the management leadership capabilities at respective schools have been weakened, with the curtailment in teacher training and development and removal of Parenting in Education programmes. The decline in the results is disheartening and disturbing, especially after the historic academic gains of 2014 and 2015. I urge teachers and parents to keep the faith with their students and to work diligently in leading them to scholastic successes.

“I equally implore the ministers of education to initiate a strategic approach to the education system in order to once more achieve historic levels of achievement and to bring broad smiles to all SEA students, parents and teachers.”