Accountability and Alignment in Education

Following this month’s release of very low proficiency scores for primary school students who took the 2013 PSE examinations, “Education” has suddenly become a heated topic in Belize. Prior to the release of the PSE outcomes, the topic of Education was discussed mostly by educators and perhaps a few concerned parents. Now, it continues to make news, and draws gut-wrenching reactions and strongly-voiced negative opinions (“that’s not how it’s done”) from parents, businessmen, politicians, and almost everyone in Belize. However, what seems ironic (even hypocritical) is that a large portion of our community now suddenly knows what’s wrong with our Education systems. In my May 30, 2013 Blog, only days before the PSE scores bombshell exploded in Belize, I specifically reminded readers that the only way to make sure that our children get an Education that includes genuine “learning” is to eradicate from our vocabulary the phrase “their job” (schools and teachers) and replace it with “our job” (everyone who now is screaming). Common Misconceptions of Education  Nonetheless, as all things political go, we will eventually exhaust our energies in this ongoing crossfire of how best to educate young students. However, after we have pointed fingers, accused, politicized and belittled people whom we choose to blame (other than ourselves) for the PSE low scores, then what do we do?

After this very political storm subsides, this could be a great opportunity for us to try to turn adversity into opportunity, and low achievement into great advancement. However, we must continue to focus on “us” not “them” (teachers and schools) in order to successfully educate our children. Certainly, we should demand accountability from both government and church Education policymakers in Belize, and from everyone else who is involved in the Education process. Let us also ensure that Education policymakers take significant steps to provide students, in every primary school throughout the country, with the tools and resources they need to “learn”. Young Belizean students today, after all, are the ones who will have to compete globally in a few years in this new age of technology. Beyond a doubt, we all have a huge task facing us! Notwithstanding, the ultimate goal behind all of our present and future efforts is not just to help students improve their scores on next year’s PSE national examinations. Our ultimate goal is for Belize to strengthen and solidify Education standards throughout the entire country. Only so will we grow strong as a nation, and survive in this global age. Despite what Aldous Huxley wrote in the past about Belize, we certainly are no longer a quaint “end of the earth”.

Whatever urgent or pressing steps we (government, church, parents and communities) agree to take, they should first benefit young Belizean students, not politicians or Education policymakers. I strongly recommend to Education policymakers that they first listen to our own teachers, school administrators, parents and communities, in conjunction with professional consultants to review changes and improvements to our Education Systems. Regardless, though, of whoever accepts responsibility for strengthening our Education Systems, there are three very important phases of primary school education to urgently address and consider: curriculum, instruction, and assessment. 

• Curriculum:  What have we been teaching in primary schools? Is it learning-oriented for young  students in Belize? Is it standardized (the same) and used throughout each/every primary school in the entire country of Belize? 
• Instruction:   How have we been teaching young students? We have so many different teachers.  Are we preparing all primary school teachers in a way that warrants that they do know how to motivate young students to want to learn? Have we been providing teachers with all the resources they need so they can effectively teach everyday in the classroom (that’s not overcrowded)? Thousands of students in primary schools throughout Belize should NOT be trying to learn only in ways that are convenient to schools and teachers. 
• Assessment:  How, if any at all, have we been measuring what/if the students are learning? Should the annual PSE examinations be the only way to measure what primary school students are learning?  (It's like accepting our own high school diplomas, but insisting that only with external CXC passes can high school graduates get jobs, or enter universities in Belize!)

As I indicated before, a large percent (more than half) of low proficiency scores by students who take standardized tests/exams may be due to multiple reasons. However, where there are few extremely high vs. many low scores, with no overall average or middle score for a majority of students throughout the entire country, this indicates that there are quite a large amount of differences in how all the students are learning – no consistency. Whereas there is no “one size fits all” in the process of Education, it is paramount and critical that all three phases of teaching and learning (curriculum, instruction, and assessment) remain in alignment at all times. In other words, these three essential components of teaching and learning must always remain uniform and aimed in the same direction in each and every one of our primary schools!  Let us use a curriculum that best encourages students to learn.  Let us teach students in the best ways that will enable them to learn.  Let us test students in the best ways possible that will show us that "yes" they are learning.

First, then, let us ensure that in each primary school throughout Belize, every student is being taught and is learning from the same curriculum – one that relies more on a process of critical thinking than on mere rote or memorization. Who will be responsible and accountable for this great need? 

Second, although no two teachers can or ever need to be alike, the goal of every primary school teacher’s daily instruction should always be similar: to help students learn from the same curriculum. Who will be responsible and accountable for making sure that teachers follow this requirement? 

Third, in an effort to adequately measure what/if young primary school students are learning, teachers are encouraged to implement consistency in all measurement tools (tests, exams, quizzes). It is widely known that objective tests, i.e. PSE multiple choice / true or false, are easier/quicker to correct thus even machines or computers can check them. Do these tests, though, accurately measure what/if students are learning? Many times young students know the correct answers, yet often times on tests or exams they mistakenly check the wrong boxes. There are many “other ways” to assess what/whether young students are learning. Surely, checking a box is not the only way to reflect critical thinking, which is what we should be encouraging young students to do as part of the learning process! This applies to any test. 

In addition to the above suggestions and recommendations, we must realize that our teachers are the ones who are on the front lines (in the classroom) every single day with so many different students, each with so many different needs. Each teacher always needs many resources, tools, continuing education and up-to-date training in how best to help students learn. Before anyone point a finger at any one teacher, or accuse him/her of below-standard work in the classroom, please first offer to be accountable and responsible for providing that teacher with the resources and tools that he/she needs to use with students everyday in the classroom.

In conclusion, regardless of the multiple reasons for this year’s low PSE scores, it is critical that both government and church (policymakers of Education in Belize) be accountable for making sure that primary school curriculum, instruction, and assessment throughout the entire country remain in alignment at all times. Also, this critical and important teaching and learning concept must be fully implemented and followed consistently by each member of teachers’ associations and/or other professional organizations that promote Education in Belize. Only so will we be able to consistently promote learning in our children. Most importantly, we each must remember that in order to educate our children: It takes a village! 

What Follows Low Proficiency Scores?

According to the recently released results of the 2013 PSE (Public School Examinations) proficiency exams, more than half of all exiting Primary school students throughout Belize ranked poorly in English and Math. The results that were released to the media show that 53% of the 7359 students who took the exams were assessed as not proficient. The median score in English was 58% while in Math it remained steady at around 54% as the previous year. These low proficiency scores indicate loudly that our students in Primary schools are not learning as they should. Readers who follow my Guidance Counseling columns know that, for years now, I strongly advocate and assert that Education, especially at early levels, needs to be focused on successful “learning”. Low PSE results this year show, without a doubt, that there continues to be large disparities between teaching and learning in our Primary schools.

The results of these standardized exams deem that half of all students who complete Primary school throughout the country this month are “not ready” to enter high school. How valid is this statistic? At the outset, I submit that it does not mean that are our children and schools are deficient. Moreover, no amount of finger-pointing or vocal public accusations against schools/ teachers will even out any disparities between teaching and learning, or improve student performance. Politicization of these results merely focuses on blaming, and adds to the trauma that students and schools may be suffering now. Let us, especially after this unfavorable assessment, respect and uphold the dignity of our schools and teachers, and students. To remove the stigma of failure, policymakers who manage Belize’s Education Systems can focus on designing and providing multiple resources for schools and educators to use to help young students learn to develop their inquiry and reflection skills. Rote learning and memorization of fragmented academic subjects, which we continue to emphasize in Primary schools, are not learning methods. Teamwork, experimentation, and problem-solving are preferable.

A thorough analytical study of the data (PSE scores) and all other evidence might determine why and how so many students repeatedly score lowly on these Proficiency exams. Without a doubt, there are multiple causes – not one! Leadership and vision, instead of finger pointing and blaming, will push educators (schools) to tackle the challenge of minimizing the contributing factors or causes why students are not reaching required proficiency levels.

Studies of proficiency scores in other countries show that low test scores for students, especially in Math, end up costing a country hundreds of millions of dollars in the long run. This conclusion translates into a dim prognosis for Belize. To improve this prognosis, policymakers who structure and manage our Education Systems must learn why students are not reaching proficiency levels on PSE, and then act to help teachers improve students’ learning methods and techniques. This large scale lack of basic proficiencies in our young students is more than a political concern – it’s now a nation’s concern because Belize’s imminent future is at stake. So, let us address and minimize the contributing factors to students’ low performance on these proficiency exams. However, the emphasis now should be on taking positive remedial actions. A well-defined and fully working Educational Remediation Plan for educators shifts more accountability to those who are responsible for managing our Education systems. Without a doubt, options abound for improving the proficiency performance of our young students.

Paul Peterson, a Harvard professor, says that very low performance on Proficiency tests should sound a warning. "If we're going to grow at the rate that we hope to grow at, to address the many issues that exist in our society, we need to have a powerful educational system that is producing a highly proficient workforce." (Globally Challenged: Are U.S. Students Ready to Compete?) Belize should heed this warning. We need a strong Education system, at every level, if we are to grow as an Independent nation. Nonetheless, when Primary school students throughout the country fall way behind in Math and English (reading) proficiency, adding burdens of blame and humiliation to teachers or schools will not increase students’ performance on PSE examinations! Moreover, vulnerable judicial and law enforcement systems throughout the country might also be contributing to the low performance of students. Belizeans who live across the length and breadth of our jewel are not in need of scientific studies or statistics to prove that we’ve been painfully experiencing soaring crime rates over the last 5 years! Is there a correlation between students’ low proficiency scores each year and steadily advancing crime rates in Belize today? That’s material for a separate article.

The question that needs to be answered: why? A very popular post on Facebook claims that, “We don’t blame dentists when we don’t brush our teeth properly and get cavities. Why do we blame teachers when students don’t pass tests?” (Quote does not list author, but is attributed to The Diary of a Not so Wimpy Teacher.) I have worked intermittently since 1978, both as a teacher and Guidance Counselor within Belize’s school systems, with many “qualified and dedicated” teachers. The policymakers who structure, plan, and administer the Education System at the Primary School level in Belize cannot attribute students’ low proficiency scores solely to a lack of qualified or committed teachers. We boast of many intelligent young Primary school students throughout the country -- look at this year’s PSE scores for highest scoring students! To be able to fully answer “why”, let us first study and closely examine/analyze the data on all students’ scores. Which students keep scoring low in PSE, and in what subject areas, and from which schools and districts? Let us first study and analyze the scores and all data and evidence “before” we start pointing fingers or hurling accusations.

Angry political finger pointing cannot assess nor improve on this critical situation. Let us first get to the heart/core of why our students score lowly each year in these proficiency exams. Thereafter, policymakers, schools, teachers, parents, and communities can start to join forces to work to improve on students’ learning abilities and performance. It is crucial though, that our Education policymakers find effective and powerful ways to build trusting rapport with Primary schools, teachers and parents throughout the country. Educators and parents, in turn, can learn how to be better equipped to positively influence all students, and help them to improve their learning methods, and prepare them to improve performance in next year’s PSE Exams.

Ready or Not, Here We Are!

June is a month for Graduations, annual rites of passage and new beginnings for students in Belize and throughout the world. Young teenagers complete Primary/Elementary School (Standard 6) while older teenagers graduate from Secondary (High School), and adults graduate from Tertiary (Sixth Form or University).  Most of the students who graduate from Primary (Standard 6) typically will head straight into a High School or Technical School, if their families can afford to pay for it, while students who leave or graduate from High School will enter the workforce, the military, or opt to continue studying, or choose a combination of employment and continuing education.  Those students who graduate from a university with an Associate, Baccalaureate, or other degree are now ready to enter the workforce as career professionals.  Nonetheless, each year brings more challenging and complex academic and career options. This month thousands of young Belizeans who are graduating, from Primary up through University level, face increasingly complex and pivotal crossroads and new phases in their lives.  How ready, though, are they to make crucial decisions and take on the world?  If they are ready, are there places for each of them in today’s world?

Speaking from actual experience, I can verify that when Sixth Form (Associate Degree level) was the highest level of academic Education available in Belize, students who graduated from Sixth Form had limited career choices: seek immediate employment and enter the workforce, or go abroad to continue studying or working, or both.  I thank my Sixth Form English teacher (Peace Corp) for her guidance and encouragement, and my family for providing the support that enabled me to go abroad to study at the University of Wisconsin.

After “Pomp and Circumstance” is played several times this month in Belize, and graduates don their caps and gowns, what choices do they face?  There are now several high schools, sixth forms and universities throughout the country that offer high levels of academic and vocational training. During my lifetime, and before that, students who completed Primary School on San Pedro, and in several Districts, had to travel to Belize City to attend a High School!  Nonetheless, the various options facing graduates today are complex.  Where does a Primary School graduate turn if his/her family cannot afford to pay the thousands of dollars just to register in a high school?  Who will pay the remaining thousands of dollars in tuitions and books for 4 more years?  What if a graduate is not accepted into his/her school of choice to continue studying?  What if he/she is accepted but cannot afford the tuition and many other costs of that education?  What about those graduates who cannot find or obtain part-time employment?  Without part-time jobs many students cannot afford more schooling; it is just so expensive.  What does a student do after graduating from school, any level, if he/she still is not sure what “next step” to take, or does not feel prepared?  Are there “roads frequently travelled” that graduates might clearly see and follow?  Many students who are graduating with degrees, know exactly what they want to do, and are fully academically qualified; but, they will not be able to find employment in their field, or perhaps in any field whatsoever. Youth of Belize, are you ready to face the world as it is now?  Do you know where/how you now fit in your communities? 

This week’s column poses many questions, but provides few answers.  Actually, there is but one all encompassing question to direct to each graduate: Why wait until after you graduate school to confront the “now what do I do” questions?  My advice: Don’t wait!  Students, no matter at what level you are completing (or entering) school, never wait until after you graduate to explore your academic or career options!  My previous columns address serious issues that arise during a student’s school career; those issues affect not only students, educators, and parents, but their entire communities.  The most crucial issue for each student, though, arises at graduation: Now, what do I do?

In school, students usually view graduation as an event “way down the road”.  Nevertheless, as a guidance counselor, I encourage students, Secondary or Tertiary, to always have and to constantly keep updating their individual short-term and long-term academic and career goals and options.  I urge students who plan to continue studying after they graduate to thoroughly investigate, from a year in advance, all the available information about the school(s) where they want to continue studying: registration/entrance requirements, minimum required grades, tuition, fees/costs, books, places to live etc.  Students who plan to graduate from High School, or other level, and immediately enter the workforce should not wait until after graduation to start looking for employment.  Students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation should be thoroughly checking out the job market a full term/semester (or more) before they graduate!  Their resumes and cover letters of interest to companies should be completed, and mailed, “before” they walk on stage with cap and gown.

Belize has now fully entered the Age of Technology. See: Technology to the Rescue!  Not everyone is at an advanced technology level; nevertheless, each student who graduates this month from a high school, or higher level, should be fully trained to understand and use computers.  It is no secret that technology is now the primary driver of growth and innovation in most, if not all, major industries in Belize. Without a doubt, Tourism tops that list!  A major industry that has also developed greatly in Belize, from since when I graduated from high school, is the Media.  In the mid 1960’s the Media in Belize consisted of one radio station that signed off the air at 10:00 p.m. nightly, and three hardcopy newspapers that circulated weekly. There are now various television and radio stations throughout Belize, available online 24/7 (always), many hardcopy and online newspapers (headquartered all over the country), dozens of hospitality and resort websites, interactive websites and Blogs for public and private industries, commercial, political, personal and many other “Portals” to Belize.  Each is accessible from anywhere in the world at the touch of a computer keyboard button or screen.  Graduates: you are the ones who must continue to create, develop and improve all of our technology backed industries. Are you prepared and ready?  Keep believing in yourselves, and have confidence in what you do!  Do not be afraid to break old barriers!  I salute your dogged determination, as I remind you that you are no longer “the world tomorrow”.  Oh no -- as of your graduation this June you are “the world today”!

Issues concerning students’ needs, bullying, aggressive behavior, coping, setting short-term and long-term goals, and technology were some of many issues previously addressed in this column.  After graduation this June, are you ready, graduates, to confront these issues “head on” everyday in the workplace or at other institutions of learning? Please remember that bullying does not surface its ugly head only in schools.  In the workplace all employees have to learn to adapt, adjust, and cope with much more than students do in school.  Moreover, the further up the Education scale a student now studies (Tertiary) guidance and counseling is no longer what students may have become used to receiving.  No one, at an advanced level of studies, will be there to hold your hand and walk you through your schedule of classes, or keep reminding you to attend classes, and complete homework and/or projects.  A high level of student independence is expected in education systems post high school.  Nevertheless, always feel free to request assistance when you need it.

So, after only a few brief paragraphs to give you a peek into what awaits you after graduation, are you graduates ready to take on the world after June 2013?  Are you each ready to build and improve your financial education?  Do you even have one?  Graduates, as you each look back on school and on what you can remember, cherish what you consider as memorable.   (For some of you, perhaps one phrase will describe your elation: “Thank heavens I’m out of there!”)  But, regardless of how you may feel about your past school days, you each must now face: “Now what do I do?” Perhaps you did not prepare as much as you could/should have, while you were in school; but it’s never too late to make plans and take action!  You each are just now starting a “new beginning”.  After you hear the beautiful speeches given at graduation ceremonies, remember that no matter what your goals and plans for the future may be, you must take that “first step” in order to complete the next thousand miles!   (A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.)  Most importantly, remember that whether you enter the workforce, the military, keep studying, or whatever you may decide to do, you are each taking with you the very best wishes of your teachers and schools, your families, friends and communities.  May your Commencement Exercises commence a productive new life for each of you and for our beautiful jewel, Belize!

Graduation Preview

Check in on June 12, 2013 for a full length and complete post/article on Graduation in Belize this month, and what it means.  Topics to be addressed include:


"June is a month for Graduations, annual rites of passage and new beginnings for students in Belize and throughout the world."

"After “Pomp and Circumstance” is played several times this month in Belize, and graduates don their caps and gowns, what choices do they face?"

"Graduates: you are the ones who must continue to create, develop and improve all our technology backed industries in Belize.  Are you prepared and ready?"

"Graduates, are you ready to take on the world after June 2013?"

  

Thank you for your comments.  Feel free to express opinions, or ask for more information on any Education topic that you may find important, or that you feel needs to be addressed today.   Your opinions are welcomed!

Gustavo A. Ramirez
Guidance Counselor / Education Consultant
glcbelize.com

Common Misconceptions of Education

Previously, we discussed the issue of parents and guardians who seem neglectful and show very little, if any, interest in their children’s day-to-day work, or lack of work, at school.  However, I made it clear that there’s nothing to be gained when educators or PTA parents point fingers at students’ parents who do not regularly participate in school activities, or communicate regularly with teachers, or attend school and PTA meetings.  We do not help students to learn by judging their parents or by comparing one parent to another.  How, then, do we constructively help parents and guardians to replace any misconceptions they may have of the schools where they send their sons or daughters everyday, i.e. viewing schools as daytime babysitters?  How do we motivate parents to become involved and be a part of their children’s day-to-day education, and not feel like “outsiders” in the Education process?  How do we help parents to see and feel that they are an integral part of how their children learn everyday as they grow in body, mind and soul?  As often as I unabashedly urge everyone to welcome “change”, I admit that these are not easy paths to follow. However, let us first examine some common misconceptions that many of us may have about schools, teachers, and administrators -- about Education in general.  Before we attempt to develop positive solutions that could encourage more parent participation at school, let us review how/why the many labels and misconceptions of Education might have become ingrained into our culture.  Perhaps once we understand the origins of these labels/misconceptions we can then replace them with progressive and practicable concepts of the true nature of Education.

According to recorded History the early development, growth, and management of Education in Belize (British Honduras) is credited to pioneering initiatives of the Church.  There continues to be a church-state partnership in Education in Belize today, but the Government asserts control.  We salute and thank churches that developed and improved standards of Education in Belize from its early colonization days as British Honduras up through today as Independent Belize.  Nonetheless, therein also may lay the roots of the misconceptions that schools alone are responsible for the development and management of a student’s education.  Perhaps, many parents have always felt, or still do, that they are not supposed to intervene or meddle with (church) schools to educate students, i.e. to help them develop critical thinking and self-discipline.  Consequently, many parents choose to stay out of their children’s Education process and let the church/school alone handle it.  As a result, these parents may seem not to care about their children’s schooling, even though the parents really do care.  Moreover, there are parents who were not privileged to obtain a formal academic education (i.e. Primary School only) and perhaps they feel that they are nowhere as qualified as the Church to “take charge of”  their children’s Education -- that’s for church/school, not parents, to do.  How do we, then, remove the misconception that some parents may have that their participation in their children’s education is much less important than that of church and school?  Another misconception that many parents/guardians have is that they have no say in how a student learns at school since that is a church/state responsibility. To counter this, schools, especially Primary/Elementary, could include frequent parent classroom participation as a part of a student’s daily learning process.  By being fully aware of each other, schools and parents can motivate each other to be a part of a student’s daily learning process, inside and outside of school.  

What, though, constitutes active parent participation in a child’s Education?  Is it picking up report cards, knowing our children’s teachers, and attending school or PTA meetings?  Is it paying school fees and tuition on time?  Is it making sure that our children go to school (in uniform) everyday and complete homework everyday?  More than all that, it entails “being a part of” our children’s daily learning experience!  From their entry to exit of a school, we parents can develop a partnership with the school (teachers and administrators) to help enrich our children’s learning opportunities.  That includes constantly monitoring our children’s progress or lack of progress at school.  Nevertheless, “partnership” involves two sides: parents and schools.  Thus, schools also should monitor students’ progress, or lack of progress, at home.  Schools and parents, as well as the entire community, need always remember that Education (learning) is given and received not only within school walls!  Yet, educators may ask, “How do we work at school with students whose parents seem to have wiped their hands of all responsibility to their children?”  What’s to stop teachers from doing the same?  Furthermore, it’s commonplace today for both parents to work (outside the home) everyday.  How then can parents and schools establish/keep working partnerships when today’s family dynamics and structures have changed so very much from what they used to be? There are no simple answers to these questions.  Nonetheless, these are issues that as a nation we cannot ignore or expect only one side to solve.  Let us address these issues by keeping informed at all times and never assuming to know what goes on at school and at home!   

My experience, inside and outside of Belize, as student (Primary/Secondary/University), as teacher and guidance counselor, and as parent has proven that one of greatest tools educators can use, and the best motivation that schools can offer students and their parents is to make school a positive experience every single day.  That keeps everyone interested and involved at school.  Yet, that is quite a large order for any school.  Surely, routine teaching and testing, teaching and testing, teaching and testing is not enough to provide a positive experience everyday for students, teachers, or parents. This is why non-academic (no grades) or extra curricular activities, including Sports, are offered and help enhance each student’s daily learning experience.  Moreover, extra curricular activities for students also encourage more parents to participate in school activities.  What parent does not want to see, even help, a son or daughter give a speech, act in a school play/drama, or play competitive football, basketball, or volleyball against another school’s team?  Also, throughout the length of a student’s career in school, healthy competition can be encouraged, not only in the area of grades but throughout all extra curricular activities where students can compete against each other and/or against other schools.  Finally, in reviewing my previous experience as an educator since 1978, as teacher and guidance counselor, I feel that positive experiences for me occurred at school especially when I was most “prepared”. Therefore, let us thank administrators and teachers for being prepared, and above all, for having patience.  Patience, more than any academic preparation, is what best enables teachers and administrators to ‘connect’ with students in order to try to understand them and help them.  (Of course, we should all strive to keep that in mind when dealing with each other – whoever and wherever we may be!)

Yes, let us clarify many misconceptions that exist about teachers and schools by involving everyone in our systems of Education.  “It takes a village!”  All of us, not only schools and parents, have important roles to play in the process of helping young people (our children) to develop physically, socially, psychologically, intellectually, morally and ethically.  First, though, we must accept that Education involves not only an accumulation of knowledge, but also the day-to-day “practice” of what we learn. Let us disregard old labels and become motivated to be actively involved in our children’s daily learning experience.  Parents and educators: let us stop looking at each other as suspiciously as we have done in the past or as many of us still do today.  The best education that a student could possibly receive is one given by home, school, church, and the entire community actively working hand in hand to continuously learn from each other while helping students to learn and grow everyday. Education, after all, is not so much about successful teaching as it is about genuine learning.

Final word:  Excuses do not solve problems.  Parents who may think that they have acceptable excuses for not being a part of their children’s learning process (Education) are basically choosing to avoid the challenges of parenthood and of today’s rapidly changing world.  Schools that do not engage students’ parents and the entire community from the beginning of a student’s career, or are too engaged in the mass production of graduates, need to reorient themselves to integrate school and family, as well as policy makers and the (faith) community.  As individuals and as a nation, as a jewel, let us emphasize teamwork and humane progressive education, at school and at home, instead of emphasizing Education as rote learning and diplomas.  Let us, whenever we consider our children’s Education, eradicate from our vocabulary the phrase “their job” and replace it with “our job”.

Wake Up And Smell The Coffee -- Again!

This week’s article focuses on an issue that I have been asked many times before to address.  Since 1978 I have worked as a professional educator, both as teacher and guidance counselor, in high schools and classrooms throughout Belize and in the United States.  Working alongside students, fellow educators, and many concerned and hard-working parents in Parent Teacher Associations, I have tried repeatedly to address this situation that continues to baffle many teachers.  The issue I refer to affects both students and educators every single day, and is a frustrating classroom management issue that can also limit students’ entire futures.  I am referring to those parents and guardians who show no interest whatsoever in their children’s work, or lack of work, at school.  It simply does not seem to matter to these parents whether their sons or daughters are progressing at school, are on top of the class, or are failing one or more subjects in their class.  School, to these parents and guardians, is merely a place where we send our children everyday; once our children are in school everyday, educators/teachers will take care of them and deal with whatever issue(s) the children/students may have because that’s just what educators/teachers are supposed to do.  How, then, do we educators, other concerned parents of students, and the community at large motivate these indifferent parents or guardians to actively participate in (care about) their children’s education?  A lifetime career as an educator, while also being a parent, has shown me that when our children fail in school, we too fail as parents (or guardians) and the entire country loses; however, when our children shine at school, we parents also shine and the entire country wins!

Actually, there are several issues involved here, not just the constant need for parents to participate in students’ education.  The proper parenting of students, or lack thereof, is a moral issue just as much as it is a legal one; as such, it is neither an easy nor clear cut matter to discuss.  Nevertheless, lack of parental participation in students’ education is an issue (like so many others) that we cannot ignore.  I encourage discussion of this issue, and welcome feedback from new and/or returning readers, and especially from parents of current students.  Your suggestions can be a first step in a difficult but feasible journey to pave a positive path for students, educators, and our jewel: Belize. 

First of all, though, I am adamant that no one should ever point fingers at students’ parents, or judge them or compare them to other parents.  Although, educators who work with much dedication everyday to educate students, only to notice that their devotion and continuous hard work with those students remain totally ignored by the students’ parents, may find it difficult not to want to judge.  Nonetheless, despite how indifferent the parent(s) of a student may be, judging a student’s parent solves nothing nor helps educate anyone!  Rather, just as the core of an educator’s work everyday is to motivate students to want to learn, likewise, we could keep finding ways to also motivate students’ parents to want to participate in their children’s education.  We could have exciting (not boring) Open Days at school and PTA activities; we could send regular letters and notes to parents to keep them apprised of their children’s activities at school.  We could encourage students’ parents to participate in and enjoy student field trips, instead of asking them to chaperone only.  An important step in trying to motivate parent participation in our students’ education is including them in the “fun” of Education.

I wrote my very first online Guidance Counseling article, Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, Oct. 2011 to stimulate discussion about a key issue in the education of high school students where I worked at the time.  Similarly, that first article discussed the issue of parents who were not actively involved nor seemed to care about their children’s day-to-day education.  I argued then that most parents assumed that the newly introduced “In School Suspension” would not work simply because they themselves had never been exposed to it when they were in school umpteen years before.  I asked parents then to consider the program and review its Pros and Cons before jumping to conclusions – which most parents had already done.  This week’s topic has a similar assumption: my parents did not actively participate in my education, and I turned out all right, so that means that neither do I as a parent have to actively participate in my child’s day-to-day education.  As a school psychologist, teacher, and parent I repeatedly and unabashedly remind all parents that they do not ever have any right to assume that any student must do what the parents did 10, 15 or 25 years (or longer) ago in school.  That line of thinking is totally illogical, makes no sense whatsoever, and proves nothing to no one.  That line of thinking merely allows parents to conveniently feel guilt-free for not participating in their children’s education; and, of course, it also allows parents to have more “me” time to enjoy themselves.  That, however, I see as selfish.

As a fellow parent, not as an educator, I often remind the parents of students wherever I work that no child comes into this world with a “To Do” list for parents to follow.  However, once a child is born to us, we parents proudly take on the responsibility to protect and guide him/her into adulthood.  A large part of the responsibility includes making every effort to educate our children and help them to develop mind, body, and soul -- for longer than the law may require.  The fact remains, though, that throughout the entire world, including Belize, not every child is born into ideal circumstances or ideal families, whether rich or poor.  For that very reason I always encourage new parents to start considering decisions regarding a child’s education right after the child is born, and not to just leave such decisions to the haphazard rule of “we’ll deal with it when the time comes”.  In countries like Belize, where Education is not free nor automatically provided to everyone, planning an education is very important! (In 1978 the University of Wisconsin published my pioneering 12 month research study of Seniors in 3 high schools in Belize on this very topic; and in a recent online article I pointed out that “Learned Helplessness” is perpetuated from generation to generation when parents simply live from day to day, hoping blindly that perhaps somehow and sometime in the future something will work out to their benefit – but actually doubting it all deep inside everyday.) 

Yes, parental participation in a child’s education is very much a moral issue, more so, perhaps, than it is a legal one.  However, each individual parent has to make his/her own decision about just how much he/she wants to get involved in each child’s education.  Moreover, I strongly believe that no educator or PTA member should ever attempt to coerce or guilt another student’s parent(s) into participating in their child’s school activities.  Why?  In the same way that educators cannot force any student to learn, because genuine learning can only come from within (is inherent), neither can educators ever force parental involvement in any child’s education.  The key to promoting any student’s learning, and at the same time encouraging his/her parents’ involvement in the student’s education is “motivation”.  (Already, I see a flood of comments from readers to point out to me that educators’ responsibilities are to students, not to their parents!)  Nonetheless, even if I must step on toes (educators’ or parents’) to discuss this issue, I remain convinced that active parental participation in each student’s education is an important issue that needs to be discussed and encouraged, rather than ignored or filed away somewhere in someone’s old PTA meeting notes. 

In view of recent “en masse” high school suspensions in Belize City I strongly encourage readers, especially local school administrators, to review in ambergristoday.com Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, Oct 12, 2011 and San Pedro High Introduces New Suspension Program, Oct 4, 2011.

Technology To The Rescue!

Some people may consider it as pathetic, even disgusting perhaps, that today’s super-advanced mobile technology has surpassed and replaced everyday human interaction. Raging over the internet this month is a picture of Albert Einstein, with a caption next to his picture, “Has this day arrived?”  The controversial saying that some people attribute to Einstein, although it has not been proven, is one wherein he predicts that technology would surpass humanity and eventually create a generation of idiots.  The fact is that today’s advanced technology is no longer science fiction, as it may have been in Einstein’s time, or even only 25 years ago.  Regardless of whether we understand or accept it, advanced technology is now everyday reality in all corners of the world, including Belize.  To know what I’m talking about, simply step onto any crowded bus, train, or mass transit system; walk through any open grocery store or mall; enter a crowded bank or Post Office to transact business; enter any popular restaurant to enjoy a meal, and casually glance around you.  It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see more people talking into cell phones, or checking Facebook and email on a Smart Phone or some type of hand-held mobile electronic device than you’ll see people chatting face-to-face with each other or looking directly into each other’s eyes.  Casually look around in any public place and you’ll see a majority of people, young and old, with their faces buried in the latest hand-held and touch technology mobile fad; many of them will be seen and heard talking loudly into the cell phones, and paying no attention whatsoever to anything or anyone around them.  What then has happened to everyday human interaction? Has it now been replaced by advanced mobile technology?

Virtual communication, or instant messaging by robot-like people, during every hour of the day or night seems to have taken over humanity.  Actually, even during church services, many times you will hear a cell phone ring loudly or chime out some disgusting show tune.  Even more embarrassing, many times the owner will be heard screaming loudly into the cell phone, “I’m in church; I can’t talk!”   All of this keeps happening, even after public announcements are repeatedly made at the start of each church service, “Please turn off all cell phones.”  Even schools, starting as early as Primary, have had to introduce very strict “No cell phones or hand-held electronics” rules while trying to educate students everyday.  Yet, many students keep looking for every excuse under the sun to justify bringing their cell phones and electronic gadgets to school.  Worse yet, as unbelievable as it may seem, more and more tragic and fatal road accidents are repeatedly being caused, in large and small countries, by motorists of all ages who insist on communicating by cell phone or composing and sending text messages while driving.  These are the stubborn and careless drivers who choose to remain totally distracted by technology from what they’re supposed to be doing: concentrating on driving and maneuvering safely on the road ahead of them.

Nonetheless, even though technology should not replace humanity, when harnessed properly (used at the right time and right place) technology can be used to help enhance one’s education, and help save our unique Belizean languages and cultures.  The majority of young people in Belize today cannot fluently speak or understand the Maya, Kekchi, or Garifuna languages.  In this new century these languages are spoken by a smaller and smaller handful of middle-aged and older Belizeans.  How, then, do we get our young people interested in learning, using, and preserving these languages that are not taught in our schools?  How can we save our native languages and cultures from extinction?   Technology can be a tool to help us preserve and pass on our rich native languages and cultural traditions to future generations.

Many Native American Indian Tribes in the United States have turned to modern technology to try to save their many tribal languages and prevent them from becoming extinct.  Belize should do likewise, and turn to technology to help preserve its native languages that are not taught in schools, and that are slowly phasing out as more and more of our older Maya, Garifuna, and Kekchi people grow older and die.  What I especially like about the idea of turning to technology to help save our own languages is that it can also be a way to conquer the huge divide, or gap, between our young and our old people.  Young people can provide the technical expertise to create game shows in Maya, Garifuna, or Kekchi; and our older people can provide the linguistic expertise – questions and answers in each native language.  There are You Tube videos that can be made of older people speaking in Maya, Kekchi, or Garifuna.  These could be uploaded or downloaded for everyday use, especially for young people who do not have access to, nor live near to anyone who speaks Maya, or Garifuna, or Kekchi.  We could try to get our Belizean youth fully engaged in using flexible applications that can be downloaded onto their iPods and iPhones.  We could use applications that our young people are already well-acquainted with and would use.  Why wait only once a year to see annual Festival of Arts productions of Belizean songs and dances (folklore) to appreciate our varied cultures and languages when we can access them everyday through the use of free or low cost technology?

Yes, advanced technology has its pros and cons; but it can be a very powerful tool to use in order to help revive and revitalize Belize’s endangered Maya, Garifuna, and Kekchi languages.  I am not a professional linguist, nor do I profess to know all the native languages that we speak in Belize; but as an educator I will continue my unabashed polemic cry for change in our education systems.  I recall, with envy, the many hours that my father used to spend conversing in fluent Maya, with his many older friends who would visit Belize City from Louisville, in the Corozal District up North (bordering Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula).  Though I never understood a single word of Maya, I was always impressed with my father’s polylingual abilities.  Having been born and raised at Louisville Farm (now a town) in the Corozal District he fluently spoke Maya, Spanish, and English, even though he attended but one year of high school – a boarding school in Belize City at the time.  I also fondly recall my mother’s many tales of young children passing her home in San Ignacio, Cayo District every Halloween night during the 1930’s, with cups in hand, begging for “Ish Paza Pa La Calavera”  (sp?) which was a type of corn meal.  To conclude, as with any use of technology, we should always keep in mind that any instrument of modern and advanced technology is just a tool, never a substitute.  So, in order for us to learn and properly use any language, whether old or modern, we must first have genuine will power and discipline to study and learn that language.  Most importantly, no tool of technology should ever be allowed to replace our genuine humanity.