Teachers must help students complete SBAs

THE EDITOR: The TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) is threatening legal action if CXC goes ahead with plans to have CSEC/Cape examinations in July.

The union is aware this was a unanimous decision taken at the level of Caricom, despite objections from Minister of Education Anthony Garcia and a few of his regional counterparts.

It also knows that such counterproductive action would only deprive our students who must complete their school-based assessments (SBAs) which have to be submitted by the end of June.

TTUTA is saying the exams should be administered no less than four weeks after the reopening of schools. If schools are to reopen in September, this means exams cannot be held until October.

The association is fully aware of the many negative impacts this would have on students pursuing university studies and other career choices.

While our teachers remain home and continue to enjoy the privilege of still being paid a salary, teachers in Barbados, Antigua, Dominica and other Caribbean countries are back on the job and have been making arrangements for their students to complete their SBAs.

This is the kind of support and commitment that is required from our teachers during this time and TTUTA can play a role in working with the teachers and principals to help our students through this unprecedented season of covid19.

JENNIFER MARSHAL

Port of Spain