LETTER OF THE DAY - 'A national disaster'

The Editor, Sir:

Published results of the Grade four literacy and numeracy tests revealed a high failure to master the basics of English and mathematics.

There are numerous factors which interact to affect, influence and determine children's ability to learn and perform in schools. These range from the period of gestation (where the mother's health and well-being has bearing on the normal neurological development of the unborn) to all the influences from the events and interactions which ensued, (following birth), in the processes of growth, change and development.

Key factors include a normal delivery, health and well-being from good parenting, which ensures protection, proper nutrition and the early stimulation and guidance in infancy and early childhood for normal psycho-motor development.

It is clearly understood that visual and hearing impairments not recognised and correctedhamper the learning process. The home environment also plays an important rolein developing self-esteem, confidence and imparting and instilling values.

The classroom is always in the spotlight. Important factors are the standards, level of accountability, discipline, teacher-pupil ratio, the knowledge and mastery of subject areas by teachers, their commitment, motivation and the methodologies being used to stimulate and motivate pupils to learn.

The crucial factors are the social and economic which influence and impact all others. In the community or society, the accepted norms and social trends can be in stark contrast to the values being instilled at homeor in theclassrooms.

All-important funding

This can influence the behaviour and lifestyle children hope to adopt and present challenges to the learning process. Social ills like child abuse, parental neglect, crime and violence and noise pollution adversely affect ability and performance. The classroom results are also to a great extent determined by the level of interest, support and resources made available by community groups such as parents, teachers' associations, past students' associations, business sector and the all-important funding from the government.

In our public schools, there is a high 30 and 55 percentage failure rate of Grade four pupils to master the basics of literacy and numeracy, respectively. This failure cannot be solely attributed to the performance of teachers. It cannot be over-emphasised that children are our future and we have a collective responsibility to ensure they are protected, nurtured, educated and cultured to develop and realise to the fullest, their unlimited potential.

I am, etc.,

Daive R. Facey

DR.Facey@gmail.com