LETTER TO THE EDITOR: PARENTS ARE THE PROBLEM

L. Roberson letter to the editor, Parents are the problem asserts that persons who

know nothing about teaching are giving advice on how to fix our educational

system and are blaming teachers for it instead of blaming the parents who are the

real problem and not the school. She presents various factors as to why parents are

to be blamed for the failing education system. (personal communication, February

16th, 2017). I certainly agree that parents are to be blamed for the indiscipline and

lack of participation in education life of their children however, I wonder if

framing this issue as solely the problem of parents is too easy. Doing so seems to

allow other responsible parties such as the educational policy making body, some

teachers and administrators the chance to relinquish accountability in the matter.

Secondly, other factors such as the economic and political problems of the country

also contribute to a failing education system. Another factor that contributes a

failing education is social issues such as domestic, emotional issues of students.

Therefore, the blame should not rest solely on the shoulders of parents because

they are some parents who do take the responsibility and care to ensure that their

children are in line with the requirement of the school.

There are many parents worldwide who are neglecting their duties as parents in the

educational life of their child/children, which poses extreme difficulties on

educators and the school system however, there are also parents who are actively

involved in the education life of their child/children. According to Mary

Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers,

Schools cannot right the wrongs of society and teachers cannot become substitute

parents. Both parties need to work together. Parents are responsible for setting

boundaries for their children's behaviour and sticking to those boundaries when the

going gets tough. They are responsible for setting a good example to their children

and for devoting that most precious of resources - time - so that children feel

known and valued as individuals and as part of the family. So, parents who are

not taking up the responsibility need to be given the help that is necessary to do so

by the relevant authorities.

Secondly, the economic and political problems of a country is a contributing factor

for the failing of many school around the world. Guyana more so is affected by

this. Guyanas economic, and political problems have a marked effect on its

education system at all levels. The level of financing of education had contributed

to deterioration in the condition of all school, many of which do not have running

water, electricity, adequate and sanitary toilet facilities, or adequate textbook

requirement is met. (Complied by UNESCO-IBE, August, 2006) Inadequate

textbooks and resource materials are a sore issue in Guyana because many times

teachers feel the pressure of providing recourses for teaching out of their own

meager salaries. So, how can the school operative effectively without adequate

supply of equipment, textbooks and teaching aids? Isnt this a contributing factor

that aids in the failing education system?

Finally, schools are failing because many teachers are unable to identify emotional

distraught students who are unable to focus on school work. Emotional

disturbance as a cause of school failure is increasing . Depression among school

age students is not easily detected by the school personnel, it can present itself with

low self-esteem, and or behavioral problems. It is encouraged that teachers are

aware of the symptoms for early detection and referral to the primary care

Pediatrician. (Oman Med J. 2009 Jul; 24(3): 212217). How can teachers become

aware of these symptoms when they s are unable to recognize these problems.

That is why the administration and school district officers need to offers quality

teachers professional development to ensure that teachers are capable of recognize

those symptoms and refer student to the relevant authorities to deal with the issue.
In conclusion, there are other factors including parents who are to be blamed for

the failing school system. There should be trust and parental participation of

parents and the school. The government also needs to play their part which is vital

for the successful implementation of curriculum activities and also teachers need to

be given the relevant educational support to reflect the demand of the modern

classroom. So, instead of the blame game, all essential factors must be considered

why deciding how to fix our education system.