Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
REID
JAMAICA TEACHERS' Association (JTA) president, Ruel Reid, has criticised the effectiveness of the Education Code, charging that its failure to stipulate specific guidelines on conduct is fuelling a lack of consensus on school discipline.
Mr. Reid noted that schools are autonomous and are able to set their own rules.
"While I am not opposed to the autonomy of schools, it would be better to give schools more guidance in terms of how they should treat some of the issues that exist in schools," he told The Gleaner.
Edward Forbes, president of the Merl Grove Parent-Teacher Association, concurred with Mr. Reid that the Education Code is not clearly defined. According to him, most schools have their own rules, but if the ministry gives a general guideline there would be less confusion in determining disciplinary actions administrators should take.
The JTA president was speaking against the background of the expulsion of an Ocho Rios High student after she was involved in a skirmish with the principal, who had tried to rip out the hem of her skirt which was considered too short.
But Dorrett Campbell, director of communications and policy coordination at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, disagreed that the Education Code was inadequate.
Ms. Campbell noted that the ministry cannot outline every rule, adding that principals are managers and should have the power to set their own rules.
OBEY THE RULES
According to Section 29 (1) of the 1980 Education Regulations, "A student shall obey the rules of the school he is attending."
Mr. Reid said schools have tended to be conservative in terms of school uniforms. He noted that two inches below the knee would be an appropriate length for a female student's skirt.
And the JTA boss added that parents should be more proactive in acquainting themselves with school rules.
Meanwhile, the girl's mother said she would be appealing to the Ministry of Education regarding her daughter's expulsion. Asked if the parent had a valid case, Ms. Campbell said ministry officials would probe the matter if it was brought before them.
Attorney-at-law Donna Scott-Mottley told The Gleaner that the principal could be charged with assault if she were the one who attacked the student first.
