Incentives and disparity in education

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The compensation review package for teachers and restructuring of the teacher’s hierarchy could lead to an exodus of teachers which underscore low performance, which has contributed to an impoverished educational system.

To improve this, the government should consider:

1. Revising compensation packages to address teacher concerns

2. Implementing a data-driven approach for APSE (Alternative Pathway to Secondary Education) coaches

3. Leveraging classroom expertise to inform decision-making and drive meaningful change.

A data-driven education system would ensure teachers and students’ higher performances. Our education system should be more data driven and robust to inform decision making, to ensure a well-defined structure. The selection process for Pathway coaches is concerning, as they often lack teaching experience. Moreover, some Principals allow coaches to supervise Heads of Department, which leads to organisational rifts.

The placement of coaches at a higher band despite their limited experience raises questions about the effectiveness of this programme. Given the current decline in student performance, more emphasis is needed on data-driven evaluation of the coaches’ impact. To analyse both approaches.

The government’s proposed reclassification plan threatens to undermine the vital role of heads of departments (HODs) who ensure the holistic development of educational institutions. HODs play a critical part in:

1. Developing course outlines, but also identify critical need that exist within the classroom

2. Managing resources, overseeing teachers and students performance

Despite their importance, HODs are being relegated to a lower hierarchical position with inadequate salaries. Based on the inequity of the varying bands and the approach there could be far-reaching consequences, including:

1. Demoralised and disgruntled staff

2. Massive staff migration, particularly of experienced Math and English teachers

3. Social instability in the education sector

Some suggestions for improvement can be to:

1. Offer competitive compensation packages, including other benefits concession for motor vehicles and travelling.

2. Reassign coaches to focus on co-teaching and developing teaching strategies.

3. Conduct yearly assessments to sustain and mobilise standards.

4. Restructure the JTA (Jamaica Teachers’ Association) leadership to better represent the broader teacher population.

I hope that these concerns are shared by educators across Jamaica, the government should reconsider the reclassification plan and prioritise the needs of heads of departments. This could reduce the high level of brain drain.

P. BODDEN

Dean of Discipline