Dear David,

It is true that the education system poses a challenge for many students. It is a fact that many students are born with minute physical deficits in the brain that affect their performance in school. We, therefore, have to put measures in place to help these children.

Every student is not born with an average IQ and the system needs to reflect this. There needs to be early intervention at the basic- and primary-school level. Teachers should assess their students and identify those who need more intensive assessment.

Educators will need to devise strategies to deal with these slow learners. Slow learners are academically challenged and require special education.

Some children are having academic problems because of their environment. Students who are exposed to community violence, disaster, child abuse and domestic violence tend not to do well at school. Some pupils are absent from school because of a variety of reasons. Many have illnesses. Educational intervention should be in place to help these children.

Many students are burnt out because they were pushed too hard too early. Some children have epilepsy, which can affect their learning ability. Others have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder as well as a range of learning disorders and mental illnesses.

If you want to witness a miracle, get a struggling student assessed and implement the recommendations. You will notice dramatic improvement in academic performance and self-esteem. Parents, students and teachers will be elated to see the dramatic changes.

Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson can be contacted by phone at 978-8602 or 791-1778, or by email at yvonniebd@hotmail.com.