The UBP vs. Bermuda's Students
Of late, UBP critics have questioned how Bermuda's class of 2007 could have achieved such a high graduation rate. The UBP's lack of faith in our students and their capabilities is truly disturbing. Today, Education Minister K.H. Randolph Horton released a statement on the graduation results:
The graduation rate is in no way inflated and I am disappointed by those who have tried to minimize the accomplishments of the class of 2007. These students, their parents, teachers and principals worked hard last year to reach their goal of attaining their Bermuda School Certificate...
I made this clear in January, yet yesterday—some nine months later—it was reported that Dr. Johnson said the way graduation rates are currently being calculated, based on a one-year reporting period as opposed to four years, "could be masking a grimmer reality."
We found these published statements creative in their interpretation at best and mischievous at absolute worse. For the media to present the public with the perception that Dr. Johnson is pointing out yet another area where the Ministry is going wrong, is erroneous since, in fact, we are on the same accord. Failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of our students does a disservice to our principals, teachers, parents and, above all, the students.
There has been absolutely no fudging of the numbers...
As we report on the progress of the Ministry, let us not forget that the class of 2007 worked hard to achieve their goals and their efforts should not be ignored.
While Minister Horton made it crystal clear that the accomplishments of Bermuda's students should not be diminished, he also reiterated the PLP government's commitment to improving education on the island. Horton:
I have said it before and I will say it again, we recognize that public education is in need of repair. An Interim Executive Board has been created; we have engaged the assistance of Dr. Johnson and we have committed to providing our students with the education system they need and deserve...
We are committed to educating the youth of Bermuda. We recognize that there are many improvements to be made and we are doing all we can to bring them to the fore.
The PLP government is taking on the tough challenges. We're working to make bold reforms to our education system to ensure that Bermuda's students get the best possible education. But, while we know we still have a long way to go, we must not diminish the accomplishments of Bermuda's class of 2007. Those who seek to undermine the accomplishments of our students by calling into question the statistics their hard work helped generate should be ashamed of themselves.
