Get the small things right in schools

08.June.07

Editor: Violence, drugs and sex are chronic problems affecting our secondary and tertiary learning institutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Finally we have accepted this reality and are in search of solutions to curb this growing trend. The Ministry has taken the initiative as they should rightly do to get a grip on these cancerous issues. The symposium held recently was better late than never. {{more}} It is however left to be seen if this was just a public relation ploy to deflect from the issue and to garner public sympathy.

Needless to say, the problems facing our schools are not just student or teacher related. A large part of it has to do with the ineffective and debilitating administration at some of these institutions. One is often left baffled at the ineptness and unprofessional attitude of those who are placed in these positions of authority. As they say “That does get me vex!” It does not take a rocket scientist to know that a square peg does not fit in a round hole. The chaos and decay experienced in an institution is a reflection of the leader’s inability to perform the functions to which he or she was mandated.

No one individual can effectively perform all the functions necessary for the successful running of a school. It takes the collaborative efforts of principals, teachers, parents and other stakeholders to ensure that our school environment is safe for all and does not become a septic pool from which we all will become infected.

Working harmoniously is critical for this “education revolution” to reap the desired outcomes. Therefore more oversight is needed to evaluate those in authority, particularly principals. We may not all agree but sometimes the weakest link in some of these institutions is the principal. Very often we only hear about what classroom teachers and students do. That is because there are some principals who do nothing. Some have become experts on playing computer games, gossiping, and majoring in minor matters.

How well are programmes critical to the holistic development of the school implemented? Is there cohesion among staff? Is there mutual respect and fairness when dealing with staff or do you communicate with just a diatribe? Do you command the respect of students and parents alike? These are factors which need to be considered in our evaluation.

If today’s generation is to be prepared for living and production then it is incumbent on us all to have leadership in our schools who can “get the small things right” – now.

Carlene Hunte-Daniel