CONCERNS have been raised over education providers in Western Province for failing to adequately support students who have been misplaced by the education system recently.
Community members and parents have voiced frustrations, pointing out that some students are not receiving the necessary assistance they need to thrive academically.
This concern arose following the release of the Grade 6 (Year 7) results, which saw some students who scored higher marks unable to secure placements in the schools they select.
Speaking to the Solomon Star in an interview yesterday, a concerned teacher from Western Province expressed dissatisfaction with the recent results, stating that several of his top-performing students, who scored higher marks than some below-average students, were placed in other schools.
“Four of my brightest students with high marks, who were also top performers, have been misplaced and their names were not found in the current Year 7 results.
‘’This is quite frustrating for me as a teacher and for the parents as well, who could not find their children’s names listed in any schools,” the concerned teacher said.
The teacher added that, “If this is the case where they are being misplaced, then I will blame the responsible education authorities for not doing their jobs properly.
‘’ This is a serious issue that should not be repeated next year. Students who score higher marks should be placed in the schools they choose or be placed in schools by education authorities appropriately,’’ he said.
He further questioned why the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) could not handle the selection process to avoid such mistakes.
“In this case, some education providers need to step up their responsibilities,” he emphasised.
A mother Gizo her son was placed at a high school not included in her son’s choice.
In Ranoggah, some of the students who are perform poorly were placed at some of the top high schools around Western Province while few of the top students were placed at the community high school on Ranoggah.
Following this recent issue, local authorities are being urged to implement stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure all students receive appropriate guidance and resources for their educational development.
The issue has sparked discussions amongst education stakeholders about the need for more personalised support systems in schools to address the diverse needs of students.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
