Dear Editor,

Laments about the quality of higher education in Jamaica, especially in the secondary schools, are frequently voiced both locally and abroad. One often hears that discipline has all but disappeared and the examination qualifications of students at the upper high school levels leave much to be desired. But given the parlous economic circumstances under which teachers and school administrators operate, the overall situation is not entirely desperate. Some schools and many students continue to do quite well. Against discouraging odds, many schools manage to maintain both discipline and decorum.

Jamaican high school students continue to be extremely competitive in winning overseas awards to attend universities, and anyone visiting the average high school will find that the best students are just as qualified in mathematics, science, and modern languages as at any time in the past. What cannot be ascertained randomly is whether the proportion of able students conforms to past experience. The main point is that perhaps the educational battle is not yet entirely lost at the high school level and that education still appears to be highly valued among the population at large.

More government attention and increased financial resources could still make a big difference and would be a worthwhile investment in the future of the country.

Sammy Ware

Baltimore, Maryland

USA