Each new school year seems to bring the magic of newness. Yet old problems continue to plague us. At a post-Cabinet press conference, Minister of Education Esther Le Gendre pointed out that poor performances by CSEC students in mathematics and English were better than their regional counterparts.

The minister defended her praise by saying Trinidad and Tobago was being "picky" in our criticism.

Although we do not wish to depreciate students' efforts, The Student Press is disheartened by the Ministry's attempt to sidestep those failing to meet examination standards by calling it part of a larger regional problem.

Students in secondary schools are contending for a proper education with resources from the Government of T&T. Regional performance aside, low literacy and numeracy continue to be reflected in results for T&T at the CSEC level each year.  

Figures released by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) showed a decline in students achieving passing grades for CSEC Mathematics, from 47 percent in 2008 to 40 percent this year.

It also recorded an "improved" performance in English A over the 50 percent mark  "for the first time in three years." If we are to consider that Math and English are introduced in Form 1 and not Form 4 or 6, why are fewer students able to grasp these core skills?

The Student Press disagrees that true performance cannot be assessed based on the overall results because private candidates were included.

The Minister stated that a "significant improvement by students enrolled at secondary schools" would be shown by disaggregating the results.

However, given that Math and English are still requisite subjects for entry to A-level, basic to satisfy the job market and mandatory for university matriculation, low pass rates at this level are alarming.

The Minister has failed to satisfy us with her comments on the issue of private candidates. While making a pitch for lifelong learning as part of the Vision 2020 strategic plans by the Ministry, the Minister ignores the fact these candidates are products of the same secondary school system.

Repeaters, oftentimes registered as private candidates, only filter into the prevailing "lessons" culture because problems in the education system continue to go unchecked.

There has been no word from the Ministry detailing the plans for remedial strengthening as part of the 2009-2010 school term. Whether these plans will address the teaching of critical thinking skills - another weak point - is unknown.

Considering that CAPE and CSEC students are to become part of a First World, developed work force, providing tactical plans to address failure rates and critical thinking methods is essential.

The fact that T&T students continue to struggle with a common regional examination amidst a growing thrust to tertiary education is unacceptable.

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