The Editor, Sir:

I endorse every word expressed in the letter 'Don't neglect 'average students' by a concerned parent, published on August 19.

Our pupils should not be placed in secondary schools based on grades achieved but on the basis that all children can learn if teachers honestly perform and children are motivated.

The true test of a teacher's performance cannot, and should not, be predicated on a class of high achievers only but on a group of children with varying abilities.

Children develop at different rates and educators should bear this scientific truth in mind when placing our children in these schools.

In placing, for instance, a child with a 60 per cent average at one of our envied high schools, there are factors that could stimulate or motivate him or her to excellence.

Namely, prestige that has been attached to the school, mentors who may assist him/her in some ways and children who went to the same primary/preparatory school as he/she did, to name a few.

What are we trying to achieve when we set up a secondary system with most high achievers selected for certain schools, not-so-high achievers for other schools and the others to schools that are stigmatised below standard?

To my mind, this kind of selection will not erase the labelling of our schools as standard versus substandard.

However, if placement is done as suggested above, the scepticism that now exists about these schools will gradually be removed.

Here are some suggestions for consideration:

Upgrade these stigmatised schools.

Educate the public regarding the upgrading intention of the authorities concerned.

Give all schools children of varying abilities.

Encourage secondary teachers to pay equal attention to children who perform at a slower rate.

I am expecting a shift in the way the selection process of our children is done. As it is now, their self-esteem is negatively affected.

I am, etc.,

CATHERINE JOHNSON

catsjoh@yahoo.com

I East Pine Way

Kingston 6