Ronald Thwaites | ‘Soft bigotry of low expectations’

“The soft bigotry of low expectations” – I was reminded of this quote from former United States President George Bush when I was challenged by teachers at one of those shamefully many high schools where few if any “graduates” achieve matriculation level results.

“The children who we get are not like children at Immaculate or Campion you know minister. Many aren’t interested in learning so you can’t expect too much from them. But we try our best with the few who can make it. Talk to their parents and give us enough money and maybe things will change.”

The others in the crowded staff room nodded or offered weary applause. They were glad for the new classrooms which had taken them off the shift system, but much more which was needed was unachievable under the current system. I was proposing adding a mandatory six week summer school for underachieving entering students who usually waste time and even regress between the end of PEP and the beginning of the school year, for remedial literacy, numeracy and resocialisation.

That was more than they were willing to consider. “Logistically impossible, we don’t know who is coming here until July.”, “Don’t you know we are tired?”, “Are you going to pay us double time?”, “Why do you expect us to correct the failings of the primary schools? Why should other teachers get the full summer break and we won’t?”, “No, that’s when I earn from extra lessons or go hustle in New York to make up for the ‘mawga’ money you pay us!”, “Have you cleared this with the JTA?”

RACIST AND CLASSIST

It is scandalous that in our political economy where rights and responsibilities are at issue; we have normalised the soft bigotry of low achievement in the education sector. We expect less from most and have dumbed down standards for all. It is both racist and classist without meaning to be either..

That wasn’t tolerated either in Cuba or Singapore, countries at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. Their national priority was a highly educated population as the foundation stone of social peace and an efficient economy. By contrast we have gone half way. We have prized school places for all, but quality only for a few.

Despite all the talk and the expensive Patterson report, we are doing precious little to correct our complacency with the soft, insidious bigotry and contempt we show to most children, largely from poor, black backgrounds, and for our own future. We say we can’t afford to do better. That is a confounded lie.

BEST INVESTMENT

And look, a few scholarships and computer donations won’t cut it. As grateful as we must be for these gifts, the whole system needs overhauling. As it is now, the best investment any parent can make for their child is to send him or her to a faith-based primary or preparatory institution. Make sure they have breakfast and pack lunch – left-overs are great - in case the school doesn’t provide, and make sure they attend every day. These are practical, low-budget items which can make a big difference in a system where soft bigotry prevails and political divisiveness prevents the needed revolution.

And I appeal again for a robust summer programme this year to try to correct underachievement before promotion, or worse, school-leaving. If the same effort devoted to preparing and executing graduation, prize-giving and sporting events, were applied to improving literacy, improvement would be under way.

WHO TO DEPEND ON

Last week I commented on the limited purchase which the political directorate has to effect fundamental change. The Ministry of Education has its hands full just keeping the existing school system operating. Big announcements do not translate into effective changes. When a high school with serious literacy problems applied for a remedial reading specialist recently, none has been forthcoming despite promises.

So the prospects for real change lie with the parents, the owners and managers of schools themselves. But there have to be targets set if the process is to be measured and managed. Boards of management and principals have to hold themselves, and be held by their communities, to account for performance. For the weakest, even to raise the literacy and numeracy levels by a few grades more than at present, would signal positive change.

STAND THE COST

The soft bigotry of low expectations dribbles into state policy where, despite not providing sufficient resources, government is still fooling-up parents to believe that quality education can be delivered without their financial contributions to the school whenever they are able. I know of parents who refuse to pay auxiliary fees, but find nuff money to jump carnival or to afford the school trip to Miami.

Imagine, arguably the best-regarded high school in Jamaica receiving a letter from the ministry chiding them for compassionately, but insistently charging the fees which alone allow for the range of enrichment activities which contribute to the excellent outcomes of that institution.

WARMY AGAIN …

No one should be surprised at Minister Warmington’s latest spewing of loutish behaviour. Is so him stay. Some of his colleagues support him for “carrying it hard to the PNP bwoy”. Holness will not chide him lest he get a mouthful of cussing, as well. But shouldn’t the cultured MP Vaz have stepped in to defuse his raucousness? Disappointing! I am proud of the caretaker/councillor for standing his ground with dignity.

The soft bigotry which consigns tens of thousands of students to blighted futures of underachievement each year is of the same texture which debases the sacred duty of political representation. “Is so it set” is the sad anthem of too much of our Independence experience.

THE CONSTITUTION TOO…

The sin of low expectations imposed on others is in danger of infecting the constitutional reform process. Every week now it becomes clearer that the public will not countenance any ‘dibby-dibby’ change nor do they want alterations which add powers to governments they do not trust. But that is what is on the table.

Low expectations in any area of life are the stuff oppressors impose on those they oppress even to the point where the victims accept their fate and appropriate its characteristics and consequences.

It can always be otherwise if we so choose.

Rev Ronald G. Thwaites is an attorney-at-law. He is former member of parliament for Kingston Central and was the minister of education. He is the principal of St Michael’s College at the UWI. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com