Let the schools decide?

Let the schools decide? I must say this is an interesting idea. I do agree we need to at some point in time, we probably need to let the schools decide. We cannot do that now. Schools are structured to be extensions of the Ministry of Education (MOE), which is a part of the Cabinet - not separated from the political parties that rules us. Teachers are government employees. Headmasters are government employees and the same goes for all staff in the schools. The reporting line (some might want to refer to this as "chain of command") goes right up to the Prime Minister. The Ministry dictates all major policies from curriculum to texts. Schools cannot invite ex-students /head prefect back to function without running into the wrath of the MOE. Schools need to be set free! With this situation, how can you expect the schools to decide. Unless schools break free from the whims and fancies of political lords, little can be expected.

This can truly be happen when parents themselves are empowered and be come and active partner and stake-holder in the education process. The PTA (Parents'-Teachers-Association) needs to be revamped to give it powers in schools- not just being concerned about fund raising and dialogue with the teachers. Having said that, parents need to be awaken and exercised their rights. Not just leave it to the schools. Parents (and teachers) needs to move away from the once a terms parent-meet-teachers sessions or whenever there are problems with the students. Schools cannot shutout the parents and operate in a vacuum anymore. If schools are to decided on important topics such the teaching of maths and science in English.

When parents truly get involved, only then when change will take place. We will then learn that the "one-size-fits-all" approach to learning and teaching will not apply. The longer we wait for the system to change, more generations of our youths will be left out.