The contents of Peter Espeut's article, dubbed, 'Ghetto Education', in the Gleaner of May 15, are unfortunately very real and founded. I fully agree with his discussion. But, I would like to add another angle to the problem of education in Jamaica today.

To do this, I must first commend those administrators within our education system who know what it means to be administrators of class, style, dignity, decorum and most important, integrity. It is these administrators who are able actually to maintain schools of a high standard, in terms of academics, discipline and other extra-curricular activities.

The problem with many of our schools, however, lies in the fact that they have been given a raw deal. Where did we find some of the people in our schools who call themselves principals today? From whence did they come? There is a culture within many of our schools of coarseness, vulgarity, indignity, commonness and 'buttooism'. And unfortunately, this culture is evident at the top. How then can we blame our nation's youths when they don't know how to behave either publicly or in private?

Reverence and respect

Do you remember the days when a vice-principal or a grade supervisor or a mere subject teacher would stand downstairs and give one look upstairs and the corridor was clear? All the students went inside their classrooms and, if even in pretence, did something 'constructive'. Do you remember the days when a form teacher was feared, not out of intimidation, but out of reverence and respect?

Do you remember the days when sixth-formers were seen as 'automatic prefects' and you never dared to disrespect any? Do you remember the days when prefects punished you and you had better take the punishment gladly for fear of a worse judgment? I left high school, Clarendon College to be exact, only 13 years ago. So it is not such a long time now.

A great part of the blame for the seeming failure of our education system is to be placed squarely at the feet of many of the people we have in our schools who call themselves administrators. I've seen too many who lack tact, integrity, concepts of decency and dignity.

Improving a school's infrastructure is all good. Putting in place modes of technology is all good. Nicely tiled floors is all good. Good CAPE and CSEC passes are all good. Getting help for needy students is all good. Developing a good past students' support group is all good. Helping some students to get scholarships after high school is all good. Just about anybody can do those things!

Change in behaviour

But what of that change in behaviour? Why are we adopting the standards of the students? Why are we being forced to be like the students? Why do we have to shout above their voices and behave like viragos? My high school principal never did that. He never walked with a guava whip or a strap. He was a gentleman, and a gentleman indeed, and he was loved and respected. God bless you Stanhope Porteous!

We need to get back to 'old school-days'. Those were the days when our young men felt uncomfortable when they were not properly attired for school. Those were the days when our young women knew how to fix the pleats on their skirts and sit and behave in a lady-like manner.

Those were the days when students spoke to teachers with respect, and vice versa. Today, 'dem chat to all di principal any way'. And the principal responds 'any way'. And the principal's excuse is "dem don't know any better!" I would have thought that was why they went to school - because they don't know any better. And so it becomes our responsibility to show or teach them 'better'. But, if you don't seem to know better yourself, how are you going to teach people?

I am, etc.,

A CONCERNED EDUCATOR

shemmuel77@hotmail.com