The proposed abolition of the Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Exam (BSSEE) has inspired little confidence in the country’s largest teachers’ union, whose leaders are demanding a comprehensive plan from Government that addresses the needs of students, society, and national development.
In a statement to members of the Barbados Union of Teachers, leaders warned that without proper plans, current problems like violence and poor work ethic among students would continue to plague the country’s education system long after the exam is gone.
The union also warned that unless there is greater equity in the distribution of resources and intellectual talent, structural changes would be futile.
The statement, which was obtained by Barbados TODAY said the exam, better known as the Common Entrance is not the “core” issue and expressed concern that up to this point, the Ministry of Education has not adequately addressed children who enter the school system with “deficits and challenges”.
“Our nation’s issues with education extend well beyond the halls and corridors of our schools. For example, the observed attitudinal disposition of today’s students is what can be expected in the next generation(s) of school-leavers entering the workforce and post-secondary institutions.
“In any case, what must take precedence is what is appropriate, functional and required for the furtherance of personal, social and national development. The lack of critical thinking skills in our students has been lamented. Abolishing the Common Entrance does not propose to arrest poor work ethic and attitudes to conflict – and the resolution of conflict – which are also subjects of discussion,” declared the union’s strongly-worded correspondence.
“There is far more at stake than has been tabled. Unfortunately, much of the discussion does not appear to extend sufficiently to generate greater regard for the psychomotor and affective domains. Yet we wonder why our society’s values and standards are under extreme duress and why our artists, sportspeople, etc. are largely underappreciated,” the statement added.
The union, led by its president, Sean Spencer acknowledged that the Common Entrance exam presents some issues, but argued that regardless of the framework for transition, the ministry ought to prioritise the procurement and distribution of the necessary resources across the system to aid in the development of soft skills along with an emphasis on innovation, ingenuity and the creative imagination.
“There is no time more opportune in which to realise the social value and benefits of that unharnessed potential and, in turn, the economic opportunities to be derived from such pursuits. National concerns such as the lack of food security and the high import food bill could be mitigated by a hydroponics programme whereas the proposal to reduce our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels could be driven by an emphasis on developing sustainable alternative energy platforms,” the union suggested.
On the last Tuesday in February, Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw sparked national debate when she confirmed Government’s intention to abolish the controversial assessment method after this year’s sitting scheduled for May, while admitting that the administration has not yet decided on a replacement.
Once invited, the union has given its commitment to participate in the national discussion on the exam’s abolition.
kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb
