JTA President Jasford Gabriel
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Jasford Gabriel
President of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) Jasford Gabriel says his members are still opposed to the proposed extension of the school year for Grade Six students to facilitate the administering of diagnostic tests.
Mr. Gabriel has expressed disappointment that the Ministry of Education did not consult with the JTA prior to the announcement last week.
He argued that extending the number of school days after the academic year ends on July 2 is unnecessary since the PEP Ability Test is scheduled for May 26 and there is "another clear month" between that date and the initial July 2 closure.
"All we're talking about here is a diagnostic test, so its not like you're gonna be teaching a curriculum - a diagnostic test is to basically assess where gaps are. And so, the big question is, why would you go beyond July 2 for students to come back just to sit a diagnostic test to be administered by teachers?" he questioned.
Mr. Gabriel noted that traditionally, most students do not return to school after high stakes exams or the academic year ends.
He said with the proposal to conduct diagnostic tests online, he does not believe the Ministry of Education will get a good turnout.
The JTA president has instead suggested that the tests be done by the receiving high schools, where students would take the test in a "day or two" when the new school year begins.
Mr. Gabriel said another reason he is against the extension of the school year is that teachers also need time to recuperate and prepare for the new academic year.
He argued that the "teachers have not left from in front of the (computer) screen since March of last year" as they underwent "extensive training" for the online platform during the summer and Christmas holiday periods.
The JTA president was speaking Wednesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106.
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