Corruption in select Jamaica Primary Schools: Grades for silence

While umpteen Jamaicans struggle to understand the level of indiscipline and corruption of a growing number of teens in Jamaica schools, the answer lies boldly in the seams of the schools.

The days when teachers are brutally honest, and upheld as role models, as if the heavens would open up when we lie in their presence are now gone. At least for a great majority of circumstances. I personally witnessed such a level of dishonesty in teachers and administrative staff at at least one select school, I quickly understood how the innocence of children from as early as Grade 2 was ripped and replaced by a seething dishonest character, to be honed even deeper before admission to Grade 9.
I quickly understood by the natural display of dishonesty and bipolar personality syndromes by teachers at the primary level could easily be adapted by the students, sponges themselves.

In two too many instances students reported without being prompted, that they have been beaten during exams for either placing the wrong answer down or erasing the correct one.
While I have not physically seen this, I am convinced based on the number of students who reported the same experience, and also the manner in which they did it.
What I have personally witnessed in another class, is that select children being given the same test paper to do over, as the first grades were unacceptable by her. This is habitual of that other teacher – a grade supervisor.

child scream photo — Photo by shelbyasteward

Now one could go on and open an entire can of worms to expose subtle cases of abuses across the island in Jamaica’s primary schools. I for one could speak of at least 10 other circumstances in one school alone. Then others could add about personal witnesses in private catholic schools.

MAIN CONCERNS

My main concerns however are:

1. The parents have told me that they will support whatever the teachers are doing as long as a good grade for their child is recorded and sent to the Ministry. It’s just about the society we live in, and I am unsure if there is any agency that can influence honesty without a penalty for dishonesty. Then again what measures can anyone put in place to measure dishonesty when teachers lie and are backed by each other and administration for a good name?
Owing to the fact that even I, otherwise, can attest to the noble character and brilliance in teaching skills of at least one teacher, I am convinced parents who even have concerns over this will be less co-operative with authorities, owing to loyalty to a good teacher – a rare commodity.
The impact and lessons taught to the children especially that dishonesty and disrespect are acceptable behaviour
I have concerns that persons in authority may so tire of former issues, which I sought to be addressed at the MOE level, that my concern on this wise will be seen as nothing more than a prank.
I am too mindful of experiences of children in my care being targeted even now since I addressed issues through the Ministry, and so abused in very subtle and intelligent ways that even she will not understand the sad shadow cast during school until the impact is only too embedded.BUT its not enough for children to be too glad to tell me how happy they are to be beaten during the exams as they got 100 per cent – at tender ages.
The messages are too piercing, and I shudder to think that in this modern age of creativity and critical thinking these teachers who missed their understanding of the role of art fail at seeing the need to they themselves being creative in meting out disciplinary measures.
The audacity of one teacher will never be forgotten to influence the principal to call the police when she claimed she was being physically attacked by a parent who didnt even pass the door. Needless to say that teacher as good as she is, was too caught up in gossip to climb from her high horse to deal with issues of security that parent had over her child. I wonder whose tax dollars she was paid from and whose child made her feel she was irreplaceable.
More for another article so the essence of this article from tales of the clueless teachers will not be missed. This article is posted, as it was discovered that this experience is repeated across Jamaica.

– Still, in fulfilling my obligation, and out of concern for this country and future adults I raise the alarm. Perhaps it’s a case of parents and teachers unaware of their rights and fear of trying alternative methods to achieving the desired outcome. As such the old tools are never retired or even sharpened into better tools.
Awaiting your most favourable reply.

Your servant and partner for Jamaica’s progress,
……………………………………
Anthea McGibbon (Ms)
Concerned parent and private teacher

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Anthea

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