As part of our analysis of the Golding government, today we ask: With 10 as the highest and one as the lowest, how would you rank the performance of the education sector in the past two years?

Carol Parkinson, Craft Vendor

ST MARY

I would put it at seven because there is still a high percentage of illiteracy coming out of the schools and a number of graduates are not able to obtain jobs because they are not qualified. Moreover, the management of the schools is still not satisfactory.

LESA BAILEY, Graphic Artist

ST CATHERINE

Four. To me it seems as though the Government had all these plans, which could have been great. But the plans were not realistic. I have not seen much consistency and much conviction for the sector. And then it is still appalling that people are graduating who cannot spell their names in as much as this is a long-standing problem.

Janice Johnson, Civil Servant

CLARENDON

I would give it about eight. I support the free-tuition programme. It's helping children with their attendance to school. But I am still worried about the fact that many students are still not able to read and write.

Delroy Garricks, Taxi Operator, Businessman

ST ANN

I would give it a 10. This is the first in a long while that I have seen so much effort being placed on the matter of literacy. I see literacy classes and so on being held. I really see where the Government is pushing students real hard to improve their education. In time past, it was not like that.

Dr Lynden Rose, Dentist

ST ELIZABETH

I would give it a six. I don't think the Government has really met the basic needs to carry out the transformation. There is a resource gap and so it's like giving schools baskets to carry water. The issue of literacy is also a problem because there are not enough specialists to help to solve the problem.

O'Brian Clarke, University Student

ST JAMES

I would give it a five because I think the Government did not assess the system properly. The free tuition programme is good, but it's not sustainable and it has put the education system under pressure.

Carey Wallace, Businessman

WESTMORELAND

It's difficult to give a grade. The fact is the results of the efforts being made now will not be seen immediately. The system has its fair share of challenges. To be honest, I would give the education minister a high grade. I am encouraged that Andrew Holness is working so hard; I get the sense that he genuinely wants a successful system.

Janique McKenzie, Teacher

ST CATHERINE

I would give the performance about five out of 10. To me, the ministry is not doing enough for teachers and students. Student performance is still weak despite the teachers' efforts and the teachers cannot be blamed because there are inefficiencies in the system and there are not adequate facilities for students.

TRELAWNY

Paul Campbell, Solid Waste Management Inspector

I would think eight. I think there is certain infrastructure that should be in place but the economic crisis has prevented that. Hopefully, by next year, I should be able to give them a 10.

Clifton Parris, Social Worker

ST THOMAS

I would rate it about 4.5. I am not sure that even though the education minister is saying many things, there is a real plan to attain the objectives. I am not sure if the minister is really being frank and open.

Joyce Powell, Retired Nurse

MANCHESTER

I'll say about 8.5. I see where the Government is trying its best. The tuition-free policy is a good effort. But I am concerned about the literacy level and the quality of the output in terms of students. In addition, I am worried about the employment environment where teachers are restive. I still see a lot of waste in the sector. Teachers should also be paid based on performance.

Nadine Wright, Lecturer

PORTLAND

I think it's at a seven now. I see where there is room for improvement. But I am encouraged and this is as a result of the recommendation coming out of 2004 survey to set up an education inspectorate.

Tashara Lee Johnson, Public Relations Assistant

KINGSTON

I rank it about 6.5. The Government has been doing fairly well. It has been trying to get rid of the shift system and has been highlighting the need for professionalism in the system. I am sure there is much more that can be done but given the economic crisis, it has been doing well so far.

Ruth Morrison, Nurse

ST ANDREW

I would say seven. I think there is more that could be done especially in respect of the remedial programme and the ongoing evaluation of students. I think more teachers are also needed to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio.