The debate on the A+ issue is coming up again and it is giving rise to developments over which parents show serious concern. Some weeks back a teacher was poisoned for reasons that appear quite evident. Most people will accept that children are feeling additional pressure on them and though their reprehensible reaction needs to be condemned we also need to understand the true reasons for their aggressiveness.

It is a fact that there is additional pressure on pupils, teachers as well as parents with the introduction of the A+ formula as from this year. Certain incidents related to this matter have been reported in the press but there are lots of them that are occurring in schools, in homes and elsewhere which are not reported but which also need to be taken into account.

Parents are reported to have lodged protests against a member of the teaching profession alleging that his performance is not satisfactory. This matter has been reported in the press but the truth is that with the advent of A+, a good number of parents show doubts about teachers and this matter is most deplorable. It is therefore clear that pressure has been mounting on pupils as well as on teachers.

A few years back most people in the country felt that at long last we were moving away from the system of cut-throat competition at CPE level but to-day we are again back to square one with even fiercer competition. Today the ministry is allowing parents to hold meetings at schools and to question the professional capabilities of teachers. Fortunately no sanction was taken against the teacher in the case mentioned in the press.

What seems deplorable is the stance of the ministry so far as parents themselves are concerned as they cannot be allowed to question the ability of teachers just a few days before the CPE exams. Surprisingly nothing has been heard on this matter from Messrs. Tengur and Seegum who have supported the A+ formula of the ministry almost unconditionally. It would perhaps be helpful if they could express their views on the pressure that the formula is adding to the system now.

As usual the ministry tries as far as possible to please parents at the expense of its own employees. This policy of the authorities has lasted for too long and obviously it has outlived its time. The A+ formula may do good to only a very negligible percentage of children at the expense of the overwhelming majority among them. Teachers consider it as an anachronism. It will require political courage for our leaders to give a fresh look at this matter in the superior interests of children, teachers, parents and the country in general.

The teaching profession strongly resents the fact that it is being used as the scapegoat in the process of the implementation of this new policy in education, especially in the primary sector. Teachers are wondering how long the same policy will last.

<B>Les Anges Gardiens </B>