Rick Lowe
After stating ad nauseam they would double education expenditure if they win the next election, the Official Opposition started back peddling yesterday (Nassau Guardian, March 28, 2012). Now, if I understand them correctly, they will only double the taxpayer money for items other than remuneration for teachers and administrative staff.
Almost every Bahamian knows there is something wrong with the education our kids are getting in the public system yet some of our political leaders continue to offer symbolism over substance.
As noted here… money is not a panacea and we need a cost benefit analysis to determine what we are getting for the money spent now and determine:
- Why the country isn't getting value for money in education?
- Why the average grades are D-?
- Who is responsible for the poor performance? and
- How do we begin to get value for money?
- Why don't we consider Charter Schools and Voucher Programmes?
Instead of all the grandiose statements about "state of the art" this or "transforming" that from the political class, why not demand accountability from the public school system? Have the administrators and teachers confirm how they will attempt to ensure that all capable kids will at least master reading, writing and arithmetic first.
Once that's accomplished then consider dreaming about reaching for the stars, because we won't reach the top of the roof with the results our kids are getting these days.
