The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

In recent times, members of The Nassau Institute, especially Mr Ralph Massey, and Mr Rick Lowe, has publicly bashed the educational system, as well as attempted to insult the expertise of educators. Therefore, this letter is written to explicitly state a parameter for Nassau Institute representatives is needed relative to the claims they can make about the current educational system, since none of whom have ever worked directly with it.

 On August 31, 2012 Mr Massey’s letter to the editor in The Tribune, attempted to challenge the individual and not the idea that the BGCSE national average is an illusion. His tactless remarks, however, was not a surprise, considering it has become an expectation that members of the Nassau Institute will attack qualified Bahamians in education. His remarks, which were clearly inaccurate, revealed that he is quick to speak and slow to think. Such practice, invokes questions of his credibility. It makes one question, if he is proven wrong, and is unable to admit this, how could one ever trust or accept the merit of any of his arguments. A further investigation revealed that Mr Massey’s academic training is in economics, so I am baffled as to how he can speak as an expert within the discipline of education.  I guess he cannot accept the reality the BGCSE average is an illusion; because he might become disillusioned by the fact, the calculations are statistically incorrect.

 I read Desmond Bannister remarks to the House of Assembly in 2010 as to why a national average is ludicrous. The article referenced the Bahamas government paid a consultant from the UK in 2005 that deduced the same arguments Dr Sears illustrated free in her contribution to the “Letter to the editor” in our local newspapers. Hence, if experts abroad and locally acknowledged the fundamental flaws of such practices, I am amazed that Mr Massey had the audacity and temerity to challenge this illusion. Additionally, the Nassau Institute has solicited individuals to submit ideas to them about education and other matters, to review and discuss. However, I question once again, who or what made them experts in education? How can they decide on what is best for education? Despite all the bright ideas that may be submitted without an educator as a part of the decision team they are limited to consider how the idea can be implemented or the practicality of the idea. Nevertheless, they attempt to give themselves such power, although they have no authority, or frankly the knowledge to supervise.

Furthermore, Mr Lowe is famed for referencing students are unable to calculate basic percentages mentally or complete a job application, as justifications for education needing an overall. This view is antiquated and suggests he wants students to be prepared to work in industry for someone, rather than become entrepreneurs that can function effectively in the technological era in which we live. In the 1960’s (when Mr Lowe was in his prime), finding percentages, logarithms, square roots and learning trigonometric ratio were considered benchmarks in mathematics. Due to science, and technological advances, benchmarks have changed as to what is considered pertinent skills students ought to learn. In fact, most calculators have a button to find those skills. Since a calculator is allowed for national assessment at the senior high level, focusing most of the class time on learning a procedure, rather than exploring how this objective can be used in real world situations will further stagnate students’ educational experiences. Furthermore, a century ago cursive writing was emphasised in schools, however, in the 20th century such emphasis have shifted to keyboarding skills. As it relates to filling out forms, school should not limit students to think the ultimate goal is to work for others; rather schools ought to create environments that facilitate students to be entrepreneurs and nation builders. I guess, Mr Lowe, is simply thinking about what skills he wants his employees to have rather than what is actually best for the country. I must say, the more I read articles written by individuals of the Nassau Institute pertaining to education, the more I become annoyed. It is apparent that their vision of school is old, and that they are not qualified to speak conclusively about means to improve the quality of education. It appears that their actions seek to satisfy their egos rather than help the Bahamian public. Many instances, they reference organisations abroad, without ever questioning if the ideas can be applied and/or effectively maintained within the Bahamian society.

Considering the financial stability of members within the group, I implore them to pay a Bahamian qualified in education as a consultant to vet the merit of their arguments. Therefore, I conclude that the Nassau Institute must establish parameters on issues of education they address. Although they attempt to use their literary skills to convince others, be assured Bahamians are not blinded by their limited knowledge about matters of education in which they speak about.

  MR M JOHNSON

Nassau,

September 3, 2012.