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NPTAJ President Lennon Richards - file photo
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Lennon Richards
The National Parent Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) is defending the recent actions taken by Calabar High School Principal Albert Corcho against fourth form students who failed to achieve a 60 per cent average.
During the summer, a letter was sent to the parents of the boys, which said the students would not be able to matriculate to fifth form and had to find alternative schools.
Calabar said the decision was made after several intervention strategies to assist the students.
Speaking on TVJ's Smile Jamaica programme Monday morning, NPTAJ President Lennon Richards, said schools have the right to maintain an academic standard and take actions in the interest of the institution and students.
He argued that the school can still use its discretion as it relates to a child who performs excellently but whose average drops to 60 per cent at fourth form, or a child with a very low average who improves and increases that average to 60 per cent.
However, he said action must be taken if a child consistently performs below average.
He added that Calabar's principal, Mr. Corcho, was not alone when the decision was made to install the new rules, noting that the NPTAJ along with stakeholders agreed to the decision.
Mr. Richards said students who fall below the average set by high schools have alternatives from which to choose if they find themselves in a similar situation.
He suggested that a student could move to another school and use that as a second opportunity to improve or can enter a vocational area if they feel they are not academically inclined.
Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid has stated that based on the flawed procedure adopted by Calabar High, as well as a pending review of the decision, the boys who were barred can attend school this term.
A review of the promotion policy of all schools is to be conducted to ensure they are in accordance with the various laws and policies.
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