Put hold on same sex school project
In a press release, the Network’s international relations director Dr Kris Rampersad said separation into single gender schools may simply delay the problems that this solution is expected to address. She called for more long term solutions to be implemented.
The network also agreed with TTUTA that the decision to implement the same sex schools pilot project was made without consultation. “A proper gender policy can give context and rationality to the debate and plans for same sex education, if it is done with adequate public consultation and with all the necessary apparatus in place that will ensure an improvement in our education system,” Dr Rampersad said.
Rampersad reasoned that separation of boys and girls will not solve problems encountered in schools, which includes the underachievement of males, unless there is proper understanding of gender differences in how students learn.
“Same sex education may also have little effect if the many other ills in the education system and social ills are not addressed. These include irrelevant and outdated teaching methods, use of alien and imported teaching materials and misdirected teacher training. We support any system that allow and facilitate girls and boys to explore their full potential, but clearly not quick fix and stop gap approaches,” she said.
