Dear Editor,

Understandably, Jamaicans are preoccupied in this red-letter year with the country's educational levels. Nevertheless, much of the discussion revolves around cosmetic approaches such as declaring certain spaces like Mandeville or Papine to be educational cities.

Getting education right is about the goals and content of formal instruction, not about the branding of the location where the activity takes place. So let us place emphasis on our teachers and what they communicate to students at all levels. Surely, teachers know where the priorities should be.

If they were asked, this would be their answer: more attractive classrooms, more books and other tools of learning, and a better environment in which both teachers and pupils can be enthusiastic about the process of learning. Forget designated educational zones and focus on the basics.

Sandy Williams

Kingston