Chris Schembri (The Sunday Times, February 15) keeps confusing the issue on education and streaming. At least he has accepted the need for proper assessment of student learning achievements. Assessments should include why certain children do not keep up or do not make the grade.
It is a fact that schools are too far away from the family and everyday life. Once a year there is a Parents Day for those who bother to attend. But the problems children face are constant. The annual meeting reminds me of the roadworthiness test (VRT) on cars where no one cares if the car remains roadworthy until the next test.
Instead of doing away with streaming, the authorities should study and evaluate the family background; today there are too many dysfunctional families having children growing up where anything goes. It's not being accusative; it's about pointing out the complete collapse in some parts of society of any sense of what's right and wrong. Quite often children witness behaviour that's aggressive, violent, rude and sexual. It's as if no-one is saying this is wrong.
There is also the problem of genes, the company kept after school hours, and the lack of proper entertainment for youngsters.
With the removal of proper streaming, the slow would become even more frustrated. It is absolutely impossible to pour a gallon into a pint tin.
What has been lacking is an open and proper debate. The few debates on radio and TV were one-sided. The speakers chosen either agree blindly or do not know how to argue against pre-conceived ideas (or were precluded from doing so).
The removal of proper streaming will only result in the frustration of all the children.
The high flyers will be kept back while the slow learners will still not be able to keep up with the others.
If children are unable to become reasonably proficient in four subjects, how can they be expected to handle addition and more difficult subjects?
The education authorities are being led into a blind alley and I pity the children who are being used to test an experiment that is doomed to fail.