Do we need dedicated STEM education schools?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

DO WE have the need for six dedicated schools for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education? Though the proposal from the Jamaica Labour Party in their recent manifesto did not state at what level(s) these schools would be established, there is some doubt that the idea was well conceived, considering the current educational climate in our country.

I left the secondary classroom as a teacher in 2012 and based on my experience as a chemistry teacher at all levels, I had an idea for a STEM-based feeder school for universities. There was a general disconnect in how science was being taught at the time and, based on experience teaching at a local university for the eight years, I can confirm that the disconnect is still real today.

The aim of the Government at this time should be to close the many gaps already existing within our education system, and not create more by diverting resources to new facilities that require management for which we do not have the resources (an age-old complaint in education).

As a suggestion, if the incoming Government focuses on strengthening public-private relationships, then students at all levels can get more hands-on learning through internships and field trips, etc. As a teacher, I had to leverage my personal relationships to give students the experience of seeing chemistry in action. This was because many companies have closed their doors to high-school students because of internal and external bureaucracy.

We need to strengthen those relationships by first building interest with teachers to want to explore the science they’re teaching. This will foster the kinds of thirst/appreciation for knowledge that will spur a natural desire in our young learners for science and then, when we have that, we can focus on establishing more centres for learning.

LEARNING CENTRES

These centres would offer hands-on and targeted experience, but flexible enough where kids can enrol in extension classes of their interests to complement what they would be learning in the formal school system. This would only work if such a centre is properly financed to be adequately resourced. Another low-hanging fruit that was missed is to make advanced placement classes a feature of education system, where students who are already benefiting from being in school have the opportunity to be engaged at the level of their learning.

By creating these STEM schools, we run the risk of further ignoring the inequities that exist in the current school system. Policies must be in effect to guard against the kinds of disparities that might be created between STEM schools and high schools. Many questions surround this idea. At what level will these schools be established? Where will these schools be located? What is the process of enrolment? Will there be a cost to enrol? Will there be additional qualifications earned by completing a course of study there?

I trust that these questions will be answered ahead of the national election, and that consideration will be given to the points raised herein.

MARIO CHRISTIE Director – Policy and Research Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council