PM defends decision to teach sons at home

BY LUKE DOUGLAS Observer senior reporter douglasl@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, November 24, 2011

PRIME Minister Andrew Holness has defended his decision to homeschool his sons, following criticism that the move could be seen as an indictment on the Jamaican education system.

Responding to questions asked by the Observer following outcry by members of the public, Holness said that he and his wife pulled their sons out of a leading Corporate Area preparatory (independent) school to provide an "individualised learning solution" at home for one of his sons who was falling behind in class.

Holness, who retained the position of minister of education upon becoming prime minister two months ago, said further that his own experience with his children informed the development of the Alternative Secondary Transition Education Programme (ASTEP), which emphasises that the education system must be flexible to the different learning styles of children.

Juliet Holness, the prime minister's wife was reported in the Sunday Gleaner last weekend as saying that two months ago the couple decided to homeschool their two young sons, Adam and Andrew Jr, on a temporary basis.

Mrs Holness' comments that "it wasn't fair to them to spend so much time doing schoolwork" and that she wanted to ensure "a more well-rounded experience" for the boys, aged nine and seven, suggested to some that Jamaican schools, both private or public are inadequate in addressing the children's needs.

Members of the public, including contributors to social media forums vented their concern, with some describing Holness as selfish to pull his children out of the education system instead of fixing it.

However, in a response yesterday, Holness said that his children were registered in a preparatory school, like the children of previous prime ministers and education ministers, but in paying close attention to their progress it was noticed one of the sons "was not focused and attentive in his class and was falling behind.

"Despite several interventions, we came to the conclusion that it would be best to create an individualised learning solution that would cater to his interest and stimulate his appetite for knowledge while teaching in the way he learns best. My wife decided that she would manage the process," the prime minister stated.

In the meantime, the boys will participate in physical education and other activities at the school.

Holness said further that the experience gave him a deeper understanding of the teaching/learning process and the need for the education system to accommodate different learning styles.

He said that ASTEP, which was started in September to assist students who were barred from sitting the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) because they had not achieved literacy to the grade four level, was "designed to deliver a rich learning experience to children who would otherwise be discarded or left behind in mainstream education".

Mrs Holness also said that she was involved in a programme to assist boys who had dropped out of school.

The prime minister also dismissed the criticisms of a member of the Opposition as politicking, noting that some were "sending their children to private elite boarding institutions abroad".

While reiterating the gains made in the education system since he became education minister, Holness urged all parents to take actions in the best interest of their children.

Opposition spokesman on education, Ronald Thwaites was, however, not critical of the decision of the prime minister and his wife.

"I draw no inference from the choice that Mr and Mrs Holness have made," he told the Observer. "I do not think that this warrants a criticism of the prime minister and his wife."

President of the Jamaica Teachers' Association Paul Adams said that he would not comment without having further information on the matter.

Homeschooling is somewhat rare in Jamaica when compared to other countries. However, there have been cases in which parents have homeschooled their children with remarkable success here.

Former senator, journalist and film-maker Barbara Blake-Hannah homeschooled her only son Makonnen whom she had at the age of 44.

He quickly became a computer whiz, and in 1998 at age 13 was appointed advisor to then minister of commerce and technology Phillip Paulwell.

Blake-Hannah has since written a book on homeschooling.

More recently St Catherine resident Kamau Mahakoe, with the help of her husband, homeschooled their three children up to the end of the primary level with amazing success. The three children have written the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC), the high school leaving examinations, years before they were due, including 12-year-old Kuti who passed six CSEC subjects last June.

Kuti also did the GSAT, which earned him a place at Jamaica College where he is now registered in third form, having skipped the first two years of high school.

He was among 11 GSAT candidates, out of more than 41,000, who were homeschooled.

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COMMENTS (32)

Anthony Johnson
11/24/2011

Here in the USA thousands of parents home school their kids. This seems to be a new and scary concept in Jamaica. Maybe its good the prime minister made a start. I am going to do the same for my two young sons here in the US when its their time and guess what? I am a teacher here.
@Red Ants congrats for looking past politics. @wanda woeman you have a serious problem..everything for you is politicize

Elli Deedo
11/24/2011

Our teachers in the late 60s used to study the behaviour pattern of students and seperate those who had a greater interest in learning from those who were not. Students who have no interest in learning oftin times distract the attention of the more advance ones, especially at early school. Therefore isolation can play a very important role in learning if we discover that a Child is not having symptom of mental deficiency, but have refused to pay attention. Learning is scientific, my conclusion:)

Tall Ent.
11/24/2011

Hypocrites.... I can't imagine that even 10% of ministers or MPs or politicians or more generally, persons of means, don't take the opportunity to send their children to private school. Those 90% are already OUT of the government system.
Now a parent who is more knowledgeable about learning and educational styles might take the process a bit further by home schooling. Home-schooled children are given even more room to achieve according to their potential.

Hamed Assanie
11/24/2011

You know I am not into politics so this is not about the PM.
This is about the education system in Jamaica .The small man
PICKNEE will never get a chance to have proper education. This
Is the education minister a come chat bout one of his sons is
Not focusing as he should in school so I’ll teach him at home.
This is a bad message to send as the minister of education.
Y should maintain that position?. And by the way the first
Lady of Jamaica should have better things to do serving the country

Sean H.
11/24/2011

The Holnesses recognized that their sons needed more attention. Instead of failing their sons, they decided to home school them. Many parents have had to do the same thing or similar things eg private tutor for some subjects and 'extras'.
*
I suspect that many of the critics here don't even go through their children's homework let alone involve themselves in the general running of the scool (PTA). If their children needed special help they would not even know.

thor bergers
11/24/2011

quite funny, cause one of his kids was falling behind at class, mr prime minister pulled out his two sons with the argument that homeschooling would be better. beter for who ? better for both ? so much for individualised treatment. Maybe father Holness should have pulled out his son as well, to teach him some elementary logic.

pancho morris
11/24/2011

Thank goodness Ronnie Thwaites is smart enough to say criticism is not warranted on this issue. Anyone who would criticize the prime minister here is just either plain drunk or stupid because he is acting as a parent.

pancho morris
11/24/2011

This is much ado about nothing. He is not preventing anyone else from home schooling their kids. He is not condemning the school system. His child was failing and he took the measure he thought best to help his child. That is what a parent is supposed to do. Don't fault him for being a loving parent. Again, this is nonsense. Next issue please.

diehardr sickheads
11/24/2011

wow here we go again trying to put politics in the mix as it suits us i wish many jamaican men had the interest in there children many of them are just sperm doners.By the way in modern times the school system with so many feminist and jta road blocks have never truly catered to the learning needs of boys. your kids come first everytime. a station this morning on its 6am news carried half the news with this item.what the point.Isnt the docking out of the debate just as important

Nejeeper KNG
11/24/2011

If you think the racist Tea-Party supporters who are Obama’s worst nightmare is hateful look no further than the jealous J’cans who have perfected the crab-in-a-barrel mentality. I am convinced that Jamaica is the way it is because of corrupt and evil-minded J’cans. They don’t care about the real issues like the outdated criminal justice system and the lack of proper amenities; just give them a little drama and they are off. Mi sorry fi wi an di duppy attitude.

Jack Smith
11/24/2011

I see nothing wrong with this and I am shocked there are people who do. This is a specific case of a parent, who happens to the the Education Minister, being unsatisfied with his child's performance in school and his decision that a more hands on, targeted education would be more appropriate for his child.
If anything this should be an eye opener to parents who's child is not performing to a level that they expect to do more, whether home school or private after school tutoring.

Dwayne Lawrence
11/24/2011

I see this as a non issue, how many politicians do you know send their children to primary schools, upgraded high schools or even local Universities? Many politicians do not use our medical facilities and many MPs would never live in the area they represent and choose instead to go overseas and live up-town, how should we then view this. I have no problem with the PM and his wife making that decision and I don't see why adults are now drawing his children into this.

Steve Miller
11/24/2011

How dare any of you posters demand that the PM give up his post as Minister of Education. Leave the man's family alone. It is their personal prerogative what he and his wife decide what's form of education they give to their children.
You are bunch of hypocrites and bad mind PNP.

Jakan 2011
11/24/2011

Though it definitely is every parent's right to decide on their kid's education, it definitely smacks of hypocrisy Mr Holness. Why did you not put your own son in your great ASTEP? Also, you said one son was falling behind but you pulled both sons from "regular" school.
I agree @ W Morgan, that the PM should give up education portfolio (he even has JDIP now). It seems despotic for him to think he has to be Education Minister and PM and everything else

Elli Deedo
11/24/2011

These people are only looking recognition the wrong way. Because they could provide all the home lectures they can afford,if they do not have the Gene which is held to determine some characteristic of their intelligence, they can learn a skill. Just recently we've seen it played out in the world's most famous Family, none of them from that Family is Academic, but their money and fame have pushed them, they are as Dum as Bat!!:) Holness must upgrade the Standard of Education as previously.

Hugh Maxwell
11/24/2011

I dont agree with the PM. While he has a right to do what he wants to do with his children, the implication of it is negative on the education system, with also him being an education minister. It is not a matter of what is wrong or right here. It is a matter of what is prudent. That is a moral failing grade by the PM. Period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fall mouth
11/24/2011

@The P.M. certainly has the right to school his boys whichever way he wishes, but suppose you took your SUV to the mechanic to be repaired and you saw him taking his to another mechanic, what sort of confidence would you have that you would be getting a good job.
I wish we would stop this controversy swirling over these young boys' heads though. They don't deserve it, but the JLP has itself to blame. They believe that nothing is outside of politics, except when it happens to them. Ask Mr. Shaw

Carlos Bryson
11/24/2011

The learning syle attributed to the PM is similar to the Montessori's which I am sure is part of the educational mix in Jamaica. Outside of that, parents should be free to ensure their child's educational development. One size does not fit all. With education so important and necessary, maybe its time Jamaican people start taking heed to the PM's example instead of criticizing.

Lee Hylton
11/24/2011

I can see clearly now why Digicel has become so economically fat off the Jamaican populace. They must have done due diligence and arrived at the conclusion that here is an Island of people who takes chatting to a different level. Our people just sit by the rumor mill or the suss stall and given the new technological advances that they are availed with; they are more than ready to press send. This story is a personal issue, should never be put out there in the the first place. Politic at all cost

Will Will
11/24/2011

People, this is all about class, privilege, power, exclusivity, and who can afford to home school. However, as the former education minister, he should endorse our school system by sending his children to public or private school and reinforce such schooling by private at home tutoring. I do think this decision is a public relation's blunder on the part of Prime Minister Holness'. Please tell the new PM your displeasure with your vote in the next election.

Born Yah Jamaica
11/24/2011

My 5 yo goes to a very good school, and based on the material and methods they employ he is making progress, HOWEVER, we do our own thing at home. I dont want to leave it only to the school to educate him. It is parents who have the primary duty to ensure proper education for their children and you cant knock the PM and his wife if they homeschool theirs. Some kids also need special attn that the system dont often provide, that is the reality. I wish ASTEP success.

Kingston Bailliff
11/24/2011

An alternative title for this article could be: "Observer defends PM's decision to teach sons at home."
I think it is the right of any parent to choose home schooling over public school system. However, that decision is usually based on a premise that whatever you can do at home is better than what the system can do for them.
For an education minister, this will always draw criticism. He should put his faith in the system. Its like a mechanic taking his car to another mechanic to fix.

0o k
11/24/2011

A despicable, low-down, dirty act of questioning how a Jamaican Parent educates his/her children!
Years ago some political commentators were even championing home schooling as a way to keep kids from certain influences.
But it alright unno gwaan play hardball......supporters of the man can play the game too!

W Morgan
11/24/2011

Don't care what his explanation is, Mr. Holness needs to give up the portfolio of education. If, under his watch, the system is not sufficiently adequate for his children then taxpayers should not be paying him a salary to oversee it's transformation. He has his rights I agree, but his distractions become our distractions. Note both children have bee pulled from school. Government or Independent - still the Ministry of Education.

John Christian
11/24/2011

as a parent...which by the way trumps being Prime mimister..gives Andrew the right to make any decision that he and his wife deem necessary for the well being of their children...so wanda woeman...how does this decision impact the education system..????

Devon T
11/24/2011

if i hd the choice, i would do the same for my daughter. it has nothing to do with my faith in the system it is about my choice for my child. I am a product of the school system in Jamaica...(sure it was better then too as we had real qualified teachers who wanted us to learn not for any other reason but so we become relevant to society) Today i am not sure what we have. Still the system works...(needs tweaking) My child My Choice. Simples.

RED ANTS
11/24/2011

I don't really care what decision AH and his wife make on their son's education.hardly in Jamaica we see politicians children earn their education on this island,especially at the university level.Something could be distracting the little boy at school or maybe he think his father high position he will live from.As small as we see our children they are aware of what is taking place around them,which at times can make them too comfortable and suddenly forget about the school work.

wanda woeman
11/24/2011

Our children are our most precious assets, so the P.M. has a right to do what he pleases, with his boys SO LONG AS HE IS MAKING EVERY EVFFORT TO IMPROVE THE SYTEM.
Having said that, there is nothing under the sun which could convince me that if the situation were reversed the JLP would not make heavy weather of it. It is to the PNP’s credit that they have kept silent on the matter, and I hope they continue to do so WE MUST LEARN TO GIVE AS GOOD AS WE GET. But that is what happens when we do not take some things out of the political realm. Listening to Mr. Shaw on Sunday, it is obvious that the JLP is still on that tact.

wanda woeman
11/24/2011

Is the P.M. telling us that if our children are not focused AT A YOUNG AGE and attentive in their classes and falling behind then we should pull them from schools and teach them ourselves? If so why? Isn’t this an indictment on our educational system? The P.M. must realize that we are not fools. He should come out and say that he has not been there long enough to improve the system where he would feel comfortable having his boys there, rather than using the lame excuse he has been and castigating those who question his move. He might well have all the machinery in place, but by then the boys would have passed the age when they might benefit from it. Come out and say so, Minister, after all you have not had the portfolio for a long time

Jay Brown
11/24/2011

Here we go again majoring in minors, the man has a choice as to where and how he school his kids and that is none of our business.
At least they are here vs being shipped off to some "top notch" school overseas.
We simply like to spend time on none issues

Brooklyn Jamaican
11/24/2011

Maybe if we stopped being breeding machines, and Gallis(es) we would not have to be out there hustling, scamming and ginnalling all day, and have more time for our kids. I know for myself my parents were teachers and I had trouble focusing in school. Everyone has a right to do whats best for their kids. His job as MOE does not take away his right to do whats best for his kids.

Brooklyn Jamaican
11/24/2011

People need to mind their own business. Jealousy is the biggest impediment to progress. He will keep his kids home, you will send yours to school, it is the way it is. Get over it. Many good things have come out of the system, including him, I guess.

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PM defends decision to teach sons at home