Posted on: Friday, October 25, 2002

ISLAND VOICES
Schools can be improved

By Roy L. Benham

Our teachers face an awesome task. The average classroom consists of some 25 to 30 students whose school abilities range from very advanced to those having real difficulties keeping up.

This means the teacher must keep the advanced students motivated while, at the same time, working almost one-on-one with those who have not adjusted to classroom learning.

The situation is compounded in many of our schools by the presence of students who barely meet the standards of understanding English.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could group our students based on where they are on the learning scale?

Interestingly enough, the public schools have recognized this on the athletic field. They have formed special leagues based on the schools' athletic record.

Now we must also mainstream the learning-disabled students. Most of them are accompanied by a personal assistant. The teacher must develop a special methodology for dealing with these students. Is it any wonder that fewer students now major in education in our colleges?

Recognize that all of this occurs in an atmosphere where it is becoming more difficult to discipline students. Many of the behavior problems are the outcome of frustrations and disappointments felt by students who have been placed in very difficult learning environments.

Is there a solution? As a starter, there are some steps that can be taken. Let's group our classes based on the learning levels of the students. It is always possible for a student to advance from one level to another depending on his motivation to improve.

The language factor is more difficult. The schools, at a minimum, should step up their attempts at improving the English language levels of these students.

In the Felix program, one solution would be to give one elementary school in a given complex the Felix program responsibility. Students at the elementary level are not as aware of mainstreaming as those in the middle and high school levels. This would mean that the professional psychologists who work in the Felix program would all be located at one school, instead of being scattered and subsequently shorthanded at each elementary school.

Our teachers are a dedicated group and don't deserve the criticism our education system is currently receiving.

Roy L. Benham is a kupuna working in the DOE Hawaiian studies program.