‘Same Gusto For Education As America’s Cup’
In an open letter to the OBA, President of Bermuda Union of Teachers Shannon James called on the OBA to “show the same guts and gusto for education as it has been showing for the America’s Cup.”
“This letter both affirms good works coming out of the One Bermuda Alliance and summons to action better work that must be done,” the letter begins.
“It is designed to be as intense as it is firm. In talking to several retired educators, principals, teachers, parents, students, school counselors, school reps and former students of our public school system, at least 83% of them were impressed with the news that America’s Cup was on its way to Bermuda.
“As we step boldly into 2015, we rejoice over past achievements and aspire to higher ground. In this sense, the Bermuda Union of Teachers recognizes the deep commitment, lavish enthusiasm and winsome leadership that this Government has shown to ensure that this high-level event will come to our shores.
“Without a doubt, The Bermuda Union of Teachers applauds the potential benefits that are likely to redound to the good people of Bermuda. These include: the injection of new dollars into the economy; creation of new jobs and; the expansion of Bermuda’s brand as the offshore and tourism capital of the world.
“Already, we feel the energy emanating from this announcement. We support Minister Gibbons’ initiative in asking the entire island to pull together to make this event a rousing success. The Honourable Minister has spared no energy to let the nation know that he has our best interest at heart. He treats this event as a vital investment in Bermuda’s future, and has supported it with heavy financial backing to the tune of millions of taxpayers’ dollars.
“Although we are encouraged by this show of dedication to our island’s future, we believe that a similar investment in education is even more justifiable. Therefore, we call on the One Bermuda Alliance to show at least the same level of passion, dedication and fervor to the public school system.
“The same diligence that is being given to ensure that the America’s Cup is a success should, and needs to be placed on investing in our teachers, investing more in our school infrastructure, investing in students’ learning, and investing time and resources in educational support materials.
“We call on the OBA to show the same guts and gusto for education as it has been showing for the America’s Cup. ”
The full letter follows below:
This letter both affirms good works coming out of the One Bermuda Alliance and summons to action better work that must be done. It is designed to be as intense as it is firm. In talking to several retired educators, principals, teachers, parents, students, school counselors, school reps and former students of our public school system, at least 83% of them were impressed with the news that America’s Cup was on its way to Bermuda. This news flooded the nation while December was fading and January was fast approaching.
As we step boldly into 2015, we rejoice over past achievements and aspire to higher ground. In this sense, the Bermuda Union of Teachers recognizes the deep commitment, lavish enthusiasm and winsome leadership that this Government has shown to ensure that this high-level event will come to our shores.
Without a doubt, The Bermuda Union of Teachers applauds the potential benefits that are likely to redound to the good people of Bermuda. These include: the injection of new dollars into the economy; creation of new jobs and; the expansion of Bermuda’s brand as the offshore and tourism capital of the world.
Already, we feel the energy emanating from this announcement. We support Minister Gibbons’ initiative in asking the entire island to pull together to make this event a rousing success. The Honourable Minister has spared no energy to let the nation know that he has our best interest at heart. He treats this event as a vital investment in Bermuda’s future, and has supported it with heavy financial backing to the tune of millions of taxpayers’ dollars.
Although we are encouraged by this show of dedication to our island’s future, we believe that a similar investment in education is even more justifiable. Therefore, we call on the One Bermuda Alliance to show at least the same level of passion, dedication and fervor to the public school system.
The same diligence that is being given to ensure that the America’s Cup is a success should, and needs to be placed on investing in our teachers, investing more in our school infrastructure, investing in students’ learning, and investing time and resources in educational support materials. It is simply not enough to change ministers or to assign a single minister to the Ministry of Education. The government needs to more clearly articulate a vision of the public school system backed by heavy human and financial resources so that the public school system becomes the best brand in Bermuda. We can get it right in 2015!
The benefits of this parallel investment are many: students will be better prepared to achieve high personal and civil goals and; schools will attract the finest and best minds to produce and equip a critically thinking generation. There are ripple effects. This investment will stimulate the economy and ensure the stability of Bermuda’s workforce. It will ensure our Nation’s peace and security! Expectations could be more fully enjoyed when our children engage in nation building initiatives steeped in our values of caring, excellence, mutual respect and social responsibility.
We call on the OBA to show the same guts and gusto for education as it has been showing for the America’s Cup. The BUT stands willing and ready to support even if a fraction of the courage that this government is investing in this project. There is still time to defend, invest and give generously to education! If the public school system is given the sparkling priority it deserves, it WILL yield many dividends! Education is the foundation for building a great nation through the creation of an honorable people. We cannot afford for the Ministry of Education to continue to be a revolving door! The BUT challenges the OBA to get its’ priorities straight. For our part, the BUT will continue to put forth every ounce of effort and willpower to make Bermuda world renowned for its public education system.
Happy New Year!
Shannon James
President, Bermuda Union of Teachers
Good call but that call needs to be to every parent and every leader, Government and Opposition.
I look forward to hearing more from you Mr. James for a moment there I thought the teacher’union was a sleepy gaint failing to address key issues. May need a new person to head it up rather than Charles.
I agree with your article. I wish the same Gusto would be applied. What’s most interesting money is suddenly now available. Yet none for some key things needed to teach our children effectively.
Keep writing and standing for teachers. Keep standing strong for our children.
Well said!
Too bad I used up all my Race cards, wait do I get new ones for 2015?
Let’s get real honest! With one of the largest budgets and all kinds of executives highly paid at the Ministry, the Union needs to get behind that. What more needs to be done? The lowest teacher student ratio, $20,000 plus per student and yet mediocrity. Only thing left is to privitise or start getting rid of the dead weight including the union whose mandate is not the quality of education for children but the collection of dues from teachers.
Does that go for M.P.’s too, as the Premier is collecting THREE cheque’s.
Oh nice one BUT!!!! Trying to act like this letter has no intention of being political???? Funny thing, I don’t EVER remember you writing letters to the plp during their 14 yr reign of terror???? The plp went through I beleive 9 Education Ministers and took education from BAD to DEPLORABLE!!! When will the likes of the BUT be honest and come right out and say what the real problem is??? Ok I will!!! It starts at the home of many students!!! We have parents that don’t give a rats behind about their children’s future and are NOT prepared to do or put in the time helping their children with instilling good values in them while helping them with their school work!!!! My wife spent countless hours ( many of them when she and I had plans to do something else ) helping with school work in order for them to obtain the grades nessassary to be accepted into college, that is called SACRIFICE!!!! And secondly, we have many substandard teachers that are there only for the paycheck ( not saying all !!! ) when will the likes of the BUT be honest??? Until we ALL are honest, nothing is going to change!!!!! Also if this is a preemptive strike against the OBA with the financail cuts that are sure to come in the next Budget that is presented in Febuary??? You are not fooling me!!! Put that blame as well were it really belongs, the plp!!!
Your negative attitude towards Bermudians is showing big time Kangoocar… ..you know many parents care and the percentage that do not care is so much less. STOP WITH YOUR POLITICAL BANNER!!
Stop protecting the non actions of the OBA in regards to Education. Stand up and fight for all of Bermuda children and not only some. Seems like Mr. JAMES HIT A NERVE…..CRY SOME MORE..
MUCH LOVE
@bettytrumpchecker, aka Alaska hall!!! You would be more believable if you bunch of miss fits actually had the SMARTS to log on from computers elsewhere??? That same character pic that is associated with your post comes up with betty, Nancy, coffee and a few others?? Why don’t you stop getting in the way of progress??? And you say weed needs to be legalized??? Obviously you bunch need more education yourselves????
insults and generalizations,,, 2015 here we go
You sir are not a stable individual…
A lil History lesson for you racist jokers, after the closing of Devonshire College in 1835(because the elite whites didn’t want their sons to be with Black boys) which was FUNDED by Govt. to educate both white and black boys TOGETHER.
In 1870, another Act was passed that the property from Devonshire College would be sold and used to build two separate schools in the central area, one for white boys and one for black boys.
They were called Body One and Body Two because the funds, 13,000 pounds were to be shared equally between these two bodies.
Body One established Saltus Grammar school and Body Two established The Berkeley Institute.
That’s how the private schools started (with Govt. funding and did the private schools repay the tax payers fund they received from Govt?????????????????????????????????
In 2014-15 they cut back on scholarships and POOF they have funding for the Elites Cup, um I mean America’s Cup.
Don’t forget your History and know your Destiny.
Clever Chris, your using the checker name now. You are getting close to being a normal commentator. Though politicising children is pretty yuck. Educations needs reform, been like that foe many years. The PLP failed and th OBA haven’t changed that yet. That is the truth.
The lights are on at Alaska hall tonight!!! 28 dislikes in 10 mins always proves my point!!! You lot while enjoying the special plp tea and brownies will never accept the truth!!! I will never bend to your nonsense, the TRUTH will prevail everytime, just like it did, DEC 17th, 2012, get over it you bunch of losers!!!!
I think the simpler explanation is you are increasingly Dislikeable.
Ian….make sure you turn off the lights at the Hall before you leave. You don’t want to make it too obvious that all those blogger are there every night.
okay…
I’m an OPBA supporter and I can get behind this. The OBA must show the same support for education…..however….the energy for education may not necessarily equate to the same energy that the AC will require.
Education is a long process while the AC has a lot shorter time frame. The AC is happening right now. Education starts at home and parents need to not always rely on Govt to get this right.
And the easiest way to improve would be if the teachers had some gusto AND GOT BEHIND OUR STUDENTS.
Not really sure what their point is here?
I don’t think you know what you are talking about. The teachers I know go far and beyond and buy things out of their own pockets to give to the children.
Then answer this Tough Love why are the results from the private schools (who actually spend less per child) so significantly out perform the private schools? What is it that the Private schools have that the Government schools don’t?
I actually agree with Tough Love on this.
Public schools have to accept any student. Private schools can, and do, refuse anyone that is going to be difficult to teach. Private schools results are always going to be better, because they are selecting kids on the right side of the bell-curve.
Also, I have seen school teachers here spend their own money to buy materials and supplies for school. It’s hard to believe, but it happens. A lot.
I’m no apologist for under-performing teachers and all that, but there certainly are dedicated and hardworking teachers in Bermuda’s public system. If it were a pure meritocracy, they would more influence, and things would improve.
The ability to pick their students.
What the private schools have that the public schools don’t is a greater percentage of children who arrive at school READY TO LEARN. A great many resources are needed to raise a child, who by the age of four has the brain chemistry, neurological “wiring up” and pre-academic foundation required to make use of a good education. If we truly care about our children, we need to provide education and supports to our at-risk families at approximately the time of inception. The days of thinking that we can fix problems in the schools that are developmental in nature are long gone, so why are we still sitting in the dark? Let’s finally get some real support behind the prevention interventions.
unbelievable that people don’t understand the education at home was taken away when a german guy decided to innitiate “KINDERGARDEN” so that the children would not be as connected to their parents,.. we didn’t have much sway even though we had a lot to say, it is obvious that no matter what we teach our children at home there will be various schools of thought.. Public education should accomplish the task of equipping our children to function in their own society, to either take over various businesses or be able to start their own.. Public education in Bermuda, equips children to go to school elsewhere! anywhere! there is no plan to connect the learning to their own enviroment; which is what is lacking.. We do not have enough entry level secure jobs that can assure them of a standard of living; and as for the young men, obviously learning has not been a compeling enough reason for them towant live.. We have failed our youths as a collective, parents are persuaded by legislation as much as teachers, there are higher powers that make sure most of our children fail.. Children see their parents not working or struggling and this is not an impetus for many of them unless they are born into a strong close family or with a reliable, wealthy network.How can parents be more affective if they do not have the education required to fulfill their aspirations, or have the education but not the security of a long term job? Also Bermuda doesn’t seem to be too much for born Bermudians lately.. The Ac is not a panacea.
No one will disagree that much remains to be done…and undone.
One; Two; three; so far as education ministers are concern this OBA government is ahead of the former PLP government when it comes to the replacement of education ministers and to think it has only been two years since this government assume power and used the number of education ministers appointments as a political stick to beat the former PLP government. The question now is who is taking licks now?
Still…you were silent previously. Did you not care then?
This is nothing to gloat or brag about. Let’s be better than this.
As president of the ABUT, Mr. James needs to address those teachers who have failed to display the “guts and gusto” required to educate our children. I don’t care who the government of the day is, it all boils down to the parents and teachers.
A pathetic attempt at an apolitical letter. At the very least this letter from the BUT should have been addressed to the Goverment of Bermuda and not the OBA. Not to mention the need for proof reading and editing…If I were a BUT member I would be extremely concerned with this quality of representation at a senior level.
In order to really fix education the Union has to be willing to let bad teachers get get the axe. I don’t really see that happening
It is good to note the constructive note in this letter.
However, I cannot think of any group of people who have greater wisdom, knowledge and expertise than the teachers, and presumably also the Teachers Union that knows what steps can and should be taken to improve the state of public school and perhaps even private school education.
Our elected representatives do not possess magic wands, and neither will “throwing money” solve all our problems. Solving problems requires cooperation, collaboration, wisdom and commitment.
It takes sacrifice.
It may take trying something and then changing course if a part of the solution is not satisfactory.
It takes approaching problem solving from a collaborative perspective, with the recognition, that if we always do what we’ve always done – then we will continue to achieve the same result. And if we are not satisfied with the results of public education, which I assume the Bermuda Union of Teachers is not, then new solutions must be sought, and the Union must play a constructive and conciliatory role. Indeed, it could play a leadership role. One which shows that it’s really worth it’s weight in gold to not only to its members, but to our children, and society as a whole.
I have felt for the longest time that the least represented group in our society is our children. There is no union that helps parents be better parents. There is no union that represents the interests of children.
The Convention on the Rights of Children (to which this country is indirectly a signatory) makes it clear that children have a right to life.•
It also says:
“Discipline in schools should respect children’s dignity.
Article 28 Young people should be encouraged to reach the highest level of education of which they are capable.
Article 29: Goals of education: To develop each chlld’s
personality talents and abilities to the fullest. It should
encourage children to respect others, human rights and their own
and others cultures.
“Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding,
Considering that the child should be fully prepared to live an individual life in society, and brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity,”
What suggestions does our Union of Teachers and its members, who have far more experience and knowledge about public education, I dare say than any elected officials, have say to achieve these goals?
Additionally, what will they do to cooperate in achieving these goals?
I laid down a challenge for those of us (and I include myself in this number) who are not “boat people”, to say how can we all benefit from the Americas Cup.
I want to lay down a challenge in relation to education and say this:
How can each one of us support improving the investment in our future – in the currency of our future, which is our children – all of them?
Here are a few examples of how I think we can help:
Mentoring or serving as a sounding board to a parent or grandparent who is struggling in raising children – maybe not with money, but with suggestions. I was a terrible parent, and having other parents who also struggled helped me to change my behaviours to more constructive ones. This costs nothing and is a gift to someone. But the first thing I had to hear was that I wasn’t a bad person. I think we have to adopt a belief that each parent wants to be a good parent.
2. If we want to empower families to work together more, then family conferencing has been used in ancient cultures for centuries to empower families to resolve problems. This requires a change in the mindset again within many segments of our society.
3. To help children learn to resolve conflicts and disputes constructively. Towns in England and WAles, and cities in the United States, New Zealand and Canada (to name a few) have adopted restorative practices in schools. Those who rigorously pursue restorative practices, along with social and emotional intelligence models find that : absenteeism is much lower; suspension rates are much reduced. Moreover, they are able to constructively bring families into the fold to help them handle conflicts, parenting and other critical issues.
Finally, I want to say that the public mindset about how public money is spent needs to change.
The tax payers of a country (all of them) pay tax for the provision of services. One of the most fundamental services delivered is that of education – public education which only educates about half of our population of children.
The people who are employed by our Government to deliver fundamental services such as education are paid salaries by all of the public of Bermuda – those who are residents, and citizens and those who are not.
And to me that means that those who are paid out of money that we all contribute to provide this fundamental and important service should take pride in delivering the very highest standard of educational experience and service to our families and students.
The most desirable outcome of educational reform would be that all families would never question sending children through the public education system.
Finally, I want to cover the question of performance reviews and evaluations as this seems to be a little contentious. I’m not sure why. But let me talk about my own experience. For me performance reviews and evaluations are an ongoing process. They allow me to improve what I do and to learn from others how to do what I do better.
And for me, being fired once was the best experience ever. As it taught me how I could not behave in the workplace. And it also taught me that perhaps I didn’t belong in the position that I had accepted.
The idea that people who are paid salaries by all the people of Bermuda should not perform to the highest standard is diminishing the capacity and capabilities of the people of Bermuda – all of them – and especially our teachers.
Oh yes, and we all remember how the BUT suggested to the previous government that they inject the same gusto and resources into education as they did for -say – the failed Grand Atlantic development.
Oh no, wait a minute. They didn’t, did they.
Exactly, they didn’t.
I’m sorry, did the previous government close front street and invite everyone to celebrate the Grand Atlantic? Was the whole island told to be on their best behavior for the Grand Atlantic?
No would be the correct answer to both questions.
I hope you are not using Grand Atlantic, one of the stupidest decisions ever made by Government as your example. $47M to build a white elephant, ruin the seashore view forever for one tenant, who bought at a discount and then had to be paid a premium price to move out? SMH
The previous government boasted about Grand Atlantic for months on end. Minister Weeks told us they had “100 buyers lined up”. They pretended it was a crowning success. So the answer is yes, they were ‘celebrating’ Grand Atlantic, like they ‘celebrated’ everything.
OK…now…start looking for the best most competition e air travel for our soon to be visitors …is there exclucivity to an airline?…If not send out for offers from various airlines….seek the best ask for competitive bids for said……..but after we receive competitive pricing consider safety,comfort ,and pricing as we would seek only the best for our guests…
It looks like the OBA has set a good example.
It looks like the BUT find that far too difficult to follow.
There is “NO MORE”money ,as the minister of Finance “SAID”
Money does not grow on trees,money comes from outside of Bermuda.
We still have a couple of “BILLION DOLLARS OF DEBT”and paying $160Million per year in interest.
Thank you PLP/BIU and BUT.
I’d like to see the hiring of the best schoolteachers in the world for our kids. Unfettered by work permits, quotas, and barriers.
Won’t ever happen here, of course. The BUT will see to that.
With the America’s Cup the OBA is dealing with a clean slate….no dead wood, no Unions,no conflicts,no multiple family members and nepotism….The Ministry of Education may be a revolving door as far as Ministers are concerned but the number of administrators in Education resembles a petrified forest…..too much dead wood with as many admins as there are teachers…
The BUT lays the blame everywhere else for the deplorable education standards in our public schools. They need to have a good close look in the mirror.
EDUCATION
The current system of Education in Bermuda was conceived in the days of the enlightenment. It was design for another time – The Industrial revolution. Today. 2015, the world has flipped into the Digital Revolution. The biggest pedagogic changes ever in the past 1000 years have taken place just in the past ten years.
16 Education Ministers in the past 22 years. The losers in Bermuda are the children. Robert Stewart, a noted newspaper columnist, has often called for the abolishment of the Department of Education – a bloated behemoth.
Many of the teachers in the public education system send their own children to private schools. I have heard some say that some of the teachers in the public system would never get a job in the private system?
HOUSTON – we have a problem.
Bermuda is a tiny island. If we cannot get our education right for ALL our kids then something is wrong. Every last child needs to have the same opportunity for success in life.
Bermuda has an US & THEM education system. Private versus Public. I have had a mother of two teachers in the public system tell me that her daughters did not even have enough supplies for the classroom.
How can this be in wealthy BERMUDA ?
FINLAND
About 40 years ago Finland realized that the education of children had to change. The system had to change. They created a one system for ALL. Every child in Finland was as important as the next. SO, the Government started by mandating that ALL teachers have a minimum of a masters degree (ALL) with further accreditation and evaluation to ensure they had the skills for a classroom. The Government also valued the importance of teachers by paying them at a level with people at the top of the business world. Teachers are seen as top level people in Finland. Finland gave the teachers control of their classrooms. You can all easily Google this or watch the Youtube videos on Finland Education to really see why Finland became # 1 in the world for education. A country that values each child’s ability and creativity. A country that knows not all kids will be rocket scientists and some may be artists. A country that values the arts as much as the sciences, and doesn’t force a child through a square hole when it only fits a round one.
In Finland there are almost zero private schools because the government made the decision to make public education in Finland the best it could be for all the children. in Finland the most important part of education are the children & the teachers NOT the administration !! In Finland they truly live by the phrase “WE LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND”. some classrooms have up to three teachers just so that the children that are struggling get the extra help they require. HANDS ON EDUCATION by brilliant teachers with masters degrees.
There are so many great people pushing for education reform in the USA and I would urge everyone to Google Sir Ken Robinson & Geoffrey Canada and listen to WHY the education system is broken and what needs to be done about it.
In Bermuda we created a BLOG: RIDE THE WAVE. This blog posts several times a week and is all about Education, the arts, changes in education. Our Blogmaster really has found some of the most inspiring Youtube videos on education. Here is the link to follow Ride the Wave: http://ridethewavefoundation.blogspot.ca/
After decades of failing to address the public education system in Bermuda due to the complexities of the system (Civil service & teachers unions) would it not be better to privatize the education system in Bermuda ? After all what is more important than our children and their future? Have not the adults failed the kids? When some politicians call the Department of Education a Minister’s graveyard, that surely speaks volumes about our dilemma ?
The last Education Commissioner Dr Heatley did not last long, and one only had to Google Heatley’s record to see how many towns he had been chased out of in the USA. Bermuda – it is time to bite the bullet. Once again, 16 Education Ministers in 22 years proves to this Bermudian that the Government/s have failed our children. Remember ALL our children deserve the same chance at life and it starts at school.
Well said!
Step one – get rid of the bulk of the Ministry staff and redirect those funds to education
Step two – get rid of the union
Step three – clean house with the teaching staff and get rid of anyone that is not performing – no more job simply because they’re in the union, or because of how long they’ve been on the job, or because their Bermudian, or whatever – only because they’re good teachers
Step four (and this is the big one) – everyone even indirectly associated with the Ministry must send their own kids to public schools as a condition of employment. That includes not just teachers and Ministry staff but it also includes any and all MP’s from any party. [And if the union isn't turfed all union members and staff should be included on that list.] Without that all we’ll see is continued lip service.
It’s simple. Investment in education saves on social spending and it lowers gang numbers and violence.
Have you had a look at the education budget? It’s massive. It is not the money in Bermuda that is short but the quality of teaching. There are very small class sizes in public education. The teacher student ratio is among the best in the world. Leadership, good old fashion leadership is needed. Not popularity swinging with the wind, waiting to be told what to do and bending to every new idea! And the union is not the answer! No credibilty there. Take a look at what they offer teachers to do on their Government paid PD days, very little of it is acadmeic. Remember people, the Unions interests is keeping their bottom line as is at any cost.
The difference here is that the AC35 will make money and any Education Boost on the same level will cost money.
The AC35 Temperature is Rising – and I’m not talking about the weather either.
What a backhanded slap at the OBA for their success at bringing the America’s Cup to Bermuda. Success hurts the unsuccessful it seems. The unions are the last people that should be talking considering their continued abysmal history. Stop blaming outside influences for your inadequacies. Man up, stop whining and do the bl@@dy job you’re being overpaid to do in the first place.
You are trying to say that teachers are overpaid? Wow. Can you overpay the ones who literally shape Bermuda’s future with there sweat and tears? Ungrateful much?
Obviously we have been. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve come across that are also products of our education system that can’t even spell basic words like please (plas). So yes, in some cases overpaid, underperforming and insufficiently skilled.
Be careful what you wish for.. If Education is failing in Bermuda, then members of the BUT by inference are a part of this problem. In the past one of the biggest barriers to reformimg and improving public education has been the inflexibility and “stuck in the mud attitude” of the BUT. I would humbly suggest that the BUT could start off with cleaning their side of the street and with things like calling out incompetent & poor performing teachers & principals, setting higher standards of conduct and professionalism, providing training, stop any enabling of bad behaviours etc from students, teachers, administrators, principals and really push for higher levels of accountability, integrity, competence, openness, creativity and commitment from all their own members.
Couldn’t agree more…the BUT is 99% of the problem in the first place
The PLP completely messed up public education.
Actually the UBP did. Once when they closed down Tech following its track record of producing successful Bermudian entrepreneurs and again with that Cedar Bridge monstrosity they put up.
The most critical period in a person’s life is 0-5 years. Good/bad parenting will make/ break someone’s future.
Governments provide infrastructure and superstructure for education. Learning takes place between teacher and student with parents instilling the value of education in the child. What has the Americas Cup got to do with with a classroom teaching/learning experience? This country has thrown multi millions of dollars at education and it is still failing. You have to look at the human resource factor. . Why are private schools successful and cheaper than a failing public education system? The whole system needs turned upside down and restarted. You could also start with teachers having teaching qualifications in their discipline. How can someone with a geography or psychology degree teach phonics or long division in a primary school?
Sir Ken Robinson – Do schools ignore talents ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0SikEwcU7U
OUR latest blog
http://ridethewavefoundation.blogspot.ca/
The most watched TED TALK of all time: Sir Ken Robinson – Do schools kill creativity ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY
Paul McCartney & George Harrison’s music teacher did not see their talent.
Elvis Presley was kicked out of the Glee Club !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLbXrNGVXfE
Sir Ken Robinson – His most watched Youtube Video –Changing Education Paradigms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
Geoffrey Canada – Our failing schools, enough is enough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY2l2xfDBcE