Dear Editor,

The letter to the editor penned by Laje Moore published on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, entitled “Deployment of mathematics specialists flawed”, has cast aspersions on the process used to deploy mathematics specialists in schools.

The placement of mathematics specialists in underperforming schools is a derivative of the National Mathematics Strategy, which was developed to support the implementation of the recently formulated National Mathematics Policy, that establishes standards and provides guidelines for sound mathematics education. Central to the policy is the effective teaching and learning of the subject in order to achieve improved student performance.

Under the direct supervision of regional mathematics coordinators, mathematics specialists work in schools to build teacher capacity. These specialists guide lesson planning, conduct demonstration lessons, strengthen content knowledge, and coach teachers in the development of the appropriate pedagogical skills. The specialists so engaged possess the requisite qualifications and expertise needed to carry out these functions as promulgated by the Ministry of Education. All mathematics specialists possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, five years’ teaching experience and a pass in CSEC Mathematics.

Having met these basic requirements, shortlisted candidates are then required to successfully complete a mathematics test which, though administered online in a controlled environment, provides the basis for an objective evaluation of their content knowledge.

It is important to note that, of every 10 applicants, nine are secondary-trained mathematics teachers and most of the primary teachers who do apply do not pass the mathematics test. Successful candidates are, therefore, subject to an intensive and ongoing professional development programme which is designed to fill any gaps so observed.

The letter writer’s claims are, therefore, unfortunate and unfounded. As national mathematics coordinator, I am held accountable in ensuring that established standards are maintained and regulations observed in order for the desired levels of improvement in the system to be attained in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Tamika Benjamin, PhD

National Mathematics Coordinator

Ministry of Education