Petition to Review the Singapore Education System

[meinteel]

What kind of changes do you suggest? Im very sure that our ministers, principals and teachers know of the inherent problem. It is more of finding a better method that our young learn at a pace suitable for them.


For example, in order to half the class Singapore will require twice the amount of teachers. How are we going to attract so many teachers - especially so many would leave the teaching force for greener pastures. Im very sure that this is not just about pay, but the responsibilities and pressures the teachers face on the ground.

[Chenonceau]

meinteel:

What kind of changes do you suggest? Im very sure that our ministers, principals and teachers know of the inherent problem. It is more of finding a better method that our young learn at a pace suitable for them.


For example, in order to half the class Singapore will require twice the amount of teachers. How are we going to attract so many teachers - especially so many would leave the teaching force for greener pastures. Im very sure that this is not just about pay, but the responsibilities and pressures the teachers face on the ground.

I made concrete suggestions in the petition. Do read it.

I am sure you are right too, about lack of teaching resources. When the automobile was first invented, somebody also said that it was silly because it needs roads to travel and there weren't many roads then, if at all. In 2011, every country is criss-crossed with roads. When I wanted to take on new business in my consulting team (many years ago), my staff told me that there weren't enough people. So, I downsize my business to fit my staff?

Sure! Every idea has constraints. And every naysayer is right. And every naysayer thinks himself/herself wise in having seen the impossibilities of any solution. I won't say you are wrong. I won't say you are unwise.

I say merely that the system is out of balance... over-extended and something needs to be done, and I have responsibly laid out the ideas in the petition. If you disagree, don't sign it. If you agree, then sign it. For further suggestions, do click on this link that I had already shared in a post earlier - http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2062419,00.html. It is a model to learn from.

Don't ask me questions that I have answered in the petition, and that I have indirectly answered in pointing you to a working example. You may also continue to point out the various defects of the suggestions in the petition. I am not a decision-maker so it's just my opinion against yours. However, your contrary opinion, as long as you stay within the topic of the thread is valuable and I will not counter you further. It will stay on record as a sincere point of view.

If you have suggestions do contribute them as well. The more diversity in opinion, the better for this thread. We can't expect to all agree, I don't think.

[meinteel]

Please do not feel offended, but I just trying to help you formulate something that will be easier to take form within the government.


Believe it or not, I actually read the entire petition before posting my very first comment. I do believe that you started this because you care about the young of Singapore and you feel responsible for the future of our nation.

However, the petition itself only lists the inherent problems which are backed by extensive examples and elaboration.

The following is the only solution I can find " Why can’t we pick a number of secondary schools and call them GOOD schools? Then distribute resources equally amongst these schools, without overly concentrating resources at only the top 4 schools. "

I would also like to highlight that schools are given S$300 per student on top of the school’s annual operating budget. Therefore, schools with the same amount of students should receive the same amount of money. There are only two exceptions.

First - needless to say - are special schools designed for the disadvantaged (Blind, handicapped etc).

Second, would be autonomous schools. Autonomous schools receive additional funding to pay for enrichment lessons, CCA fundings and camps. These schools (be it govt, govt-aided or independent) only when the school demonstrated a sustained ability to add value to their students’ all-round education. This means that the school would already have extensive programs funded by the school’s PSG, members of the board, alumni, or money raised through public fund raising.For example, my brother use to study in VS. It often had fund raising event so that it can later subsidise enrichment programs. There are 27 autonomous schools in Singapore.

I think it is important to ask ourselves why many "good" teachers requests to transfer to independent or "brand" schools despite receiving the same amount of money. Why do people quit the teaching force as soon as they complete their bond? What are the differences between Tao Nan and Ang Mo Kio Primary?

[Chenonceau]

meinteel:

Please do not feel offended, but I just trying to help you formulate something that will be easier to take form within the government.

You mean to reformulate the petition so that it is better?

[meinteel]

No. If you reformulate the petition, you will have to get everyone to sign it again which is too much of a hassle.


What you can do is to create a second document which would contain a suggestions of possible solutions and their expect impact on our society.

When there is a satisfactory number of signatures for the petition, print them out and send it to your area’s MP as well as Minister for Education. I would also suggest leaving your contact behind so that they can make further clarifications and let you know what have been done about your petition and suggestions.

I volunteer with grassroots. There was once we did something like this. We had a forum regarding our society. We listed problems, make suggestions and provided the expected outcome (merits & demerits) of each solution. Everything was then complied and signed off before handing the entire document to the ministers.

[Chenonceau]

meinteel:

I volunteer with grassroots. There was once we did something like this. We had a forum regarding our society. We listed problems, make suggestions and provided the expected outcome (merits & demerits) of each solution. Everything was then complied and signed off before handing the entire document to the ministers.

Thank you. I don't think I will do that. The petition contains 3 suggestions.
(1) review bell curve (don't use the bell curve to the extreme)
(2) have small classes (classes are too large)
(3) with mixed ability teaching (don't pigeonhole students)
If they are clearly implied and not explicitly stated, then I am sorry, the fault is in the writing... it is too late to change the petition now.

It takes more than ONE or TWO documents (written by a single person with a single life experience) to draft policy and hand over to Ministers something that is palatable for implementation. It also requires a lot of dialogue with a lot of people... and a whole team working together. I have been part of policy panels in companies. Even at such a restrained scope, it took a long time and a lot of study to get out the document. To be taken seriously, it is not a document that can be an opinion piece. It needs to be produced using rigorous research methodology.

To do up that document properly, you would need focus groups, surveys and resources to study the Finns in-depth. It can't be just a superficial think through stating obvious truths such as teacher turnover and lack of teaching resources. Indeed, teachers themselves have written in this thread to enrich the pool of suggestions with their own. Some teachers' posts have shed much light on the issue.

Let the MOE do that study eh? It is too much for me.

The most I am prepared to do is to take part in this thread and let the thread speak suggestions for itself and for the community. It reflects many different viewpoints, and the pros and cons of some suggestions. Haphazard, but it is there.

As previously, I encourage you to put down your own suggestions, and it will go on record. As previously, I encourage you to state your sincere viewpoint here and place your own suggestions here. As long as you stay to topic and do not begin to suggest ways in which parents need to parent better, your viewpoint is precious. There are other threads in which you can exhort parents to provide a learning environment and all that.

Many forummers have made suggestions here already. I may not agree entirely with them but I recognise that we all have different viewpoints. To help...
(1) You could add to these suggestions yourself?
(2) If you are motivated to and have had experience doing so in you grassroots work, YOU can help by looking through the whole thread and collating the suggestions herein, and then list out merits and demerits. Then you can write up the document and collect signatures when you are done, and hand the implementation proposal to the Ministers.
(3) You can publicise the petition to generate public momentum for a review.

It was not my intent to draft something that can easier take form within the govt. You can do that if you want to. If you produce the document then I will come help by giving my 2 cents.

If you do happen to be from MOE, Meinteel, then know that we elected a government and expect it to serve. If jobs are lacking, or healthcare is too expensive, you expect the electorate to write implementation proposals for you to fix the problem? Then why are we paying govt officials from tax money? Why did we elect the Minister? It is not for me to produce a document to make life easier for the govt. The govt is very well paid to make life easier for me. Should the govt decide to engage my professional services to conduct the review study; and provides the necessary access to informants and data, then I can do something. But these would be paid professional services. It is not a document that can be written as an opinion piece.

For others... do help to publicise this petition - http://www.petitiononline.com/SgEd2011/petition.html. Share on Facebook. Email to friends. Link to the petition in the various forum posts you are part of.

[meinteel]

Nope, I am not from the government. Im a private tutor, a student, and the owner of a newly set-up company which is funded by my life-savings of ang-baos and tuition money.


Suggestion 1: Review bell curve - Okay, Im think they will review but from what I know, MOE reviews all syllabus and systems every 7 years.

Suggestion 2: Have small classes - Dream of MOE, principals & teachers. Possible? Currently no. Many schools continue to face a lack of manpower even when trying to keep classes under the recommended 30 students per class. In fact, a large money of schools have to depend on teachers on short-term "flexi" contract to fill the slots. How?

Suggestion 3: Mixed Ability Teaching - Sounds great! What is it? How is it different from holistic education?

All in all, I was brought up to be independent and responsible for my own life what we believed in. Rather than point fingers and push the work, why not put a little more effort into something that you believe so strongly in? Right now, you are trying to convince the education ministry that they are in the wrong and changes are needed. Definiately something concrete and strong will be needed before your pleads would be taken seriously and taken upon immediately.

If anyone were to pass a comment that pyschology is a waste of time because we cannot fully comprehen the human mind, and expect psychologists to "change" - would you?

[Chenonceau]

meinteel:

All in all, I was brought up to be independent and responsible for my own life what we believed in. Rather than point fingers and push the work, why not put a little more effort into something that you believe so strongly in?

Hmmm.. so you will help? You will do up the 2nd document and get the signatures, and give to Minister? I have put in effort already eh? It took me one month to develop and write the petition. I have contributed. I have also been busy trying to get in touch with various politicians.

Aside from pointing out obvious constraints, lecturing parents about how they should parent and asking obvious questions aimed at naysaying sincere suggestions, have you already contributed in the small way I already have? I am still waiting for some well thought through suggestions from you.

If I am not willing to contribute more beyond what I already have, I am not independent and responsible? That I don't want to take on the role of an MOE govt official makes me dependent and irresponsible? How come you by that conclusion? I used to have a secretary. She has her job to do. If it is in her job scope and it is not done, I explain the need, and she does it. I don't do her job for her.

If you feel strongly enough to want to do the 2nd document. Then you do it eh? Ride on this thread to publicise your document. I will help you with my 2 cents of opinion.

Seriously, IMHO. the 2nd document needs an in-depth study. The Ministry must want it done. I have done such documents before and I think I cannot do it unless I have access to information and data and interviews that one cannot access unless the Ministry endorses the review. For the Ministry to want it done, they must recognise there is something wrong.That is the purpose of the petition. It is not targetted to appeal to the govt. It is meant to speak the pain of parents. And this pain communicates the need for a review. The 2nd document is beyond what my resources can handle. We need the Ministry to want this study done.

But if you think you can, and do it voluntarily using your own resources and wisdom, and put it up for public endorsement, then you will be helping the community in a big way. I started this. You can carry it on. Because I won't, unless the MOE asks... because I don't BELIEVE in the 2nd document at present. You however do believe in this 2nd document. So you be responsible and independent, and do it, instead of pointing the finger at me.

Come now. Contribute your own suggestions in this thread or do up the 2nd document you believe in.

[meinteel]

1. You dont have to create a ministrial level standard for the 2nd document.

2. I don’t see any better system to replace PSLE & streaming students into secondary school.
3. I support your action for having smaller classes, as would many others including teachers but where are we going to get the teachers?

Like you, I can easily list out all the inherent problems of the government and Singapore. However, I cannot find a better solution then that the government has to offer. Therefore I do not go about critising them for what they have done.

The only reason why I suggested a 2nd document be created is because you asked if you should refomulate the petition. If you think that I’m just trying to pour cold-water on you, then by all means ignore my posts. I am just giving you my sincere opinions on how you can gather greater support and motion.

However if you are kind enough to explain to me what you meant by mixed ability teaching or suggest how to skew the bell curve differently, I do not mind creating a second document in favor of your petition. I can also help you contact various MPs whom I am very sure will read and work on it.

[Chenonceau]

meinteel:

1. You dont have to create a ministrial level standard for the 2nd document.

2. I don't see any better system to replace PSLE & streaming students into secondary school.
3. I support your action for having smaller classes, as would many others including teachers but where are we going to get the teachers?

You are not offering any new critique here that you have not already offered. Clearly, your vision differs from mine.

(1) My petition is a hand reaching out for help, and you envisage it to be a hand giving help. If we were all self-sufficient, independent and completely at ease to do everything we wished, there would be no need for a govt. Why have a govt that I have to help at every turn?

(2) My vision of Document 2 is a document supported by data. Yours is a document with simple suggestions and off-the-cuff opinions about merits and demerits.

(3) Your vision of engaging the govt is that I should make my case appealing to the govt. I differ here again. I speak the pain of a group of parents and children. This may not be appealing but it is true. Why should I sell my ideas to the govt? If the govt is against change, then I know what to do at the next elections. We are in pain. You want us to market our pain in an appealing manner? I don't see the need to do that.

meinteel:

Like you, I can easily list out all the inherent problems of the government and Singapore.

I am not just listing out inherent problems, I did give 3 suggestions.

meinteel:

The only reason why I suggested a 2nd document be created is because you asked if you should refomulate the petition.

I did not ask you if I should reformulate the petition. Out of respect for signatories, the petition cannot be changed from the moment a first person signs. I asked you to clarify what you meant by helping me to reformulate. Reformulate what? Make the petition better? Reformulate my ideas? Sorry... no go. I believe in my petition and my suggestions still. Reformulate Document 2, but why reformulate? Document 2 has not yet been formulated.

meinteel:

However, I cannot find a better solution then that the government has to offer. Therefore I do not go about critising them for what they have done.

And now we know that you have no other suggestions to help our children.. So, is your purpose to convince us that nothing can be done, and that come what may, our children should continue to suffer, and parents to watch in silence? And that we should have blind faith that if this govt can't help it then no one can? And therefore, don't speak up at all so as not be seen as critical?

The petition is not critical of the government. Don't be so sensitive. I am actually so pro-PAP that I get flamed online for my political convictions (which I begin to fear are wrong). This petition is a cry for help. To be helpful to the govt, I wanted to go a little bit further and thought through the root problems and their suggestions, only to have you say that some are unworkable because we cannot find teachers... and others cannot be understood. And now you suggest an even MORE helpful Document 2? I really do think I have contributed enough, as is.

Who are you that I should spend time try to convince you, patiently explain to you and work with you to draft a Document 2 that is better but not good enough for a Minister? If the MOE wishes, KSP parents have offered to be part of focus groups. If you are a govt official able to provide access to data, resources and info, then I see utility in spending time working together to produce a Document 2 to the standard that I envisage. If not, then I think I will stick with my petition, imperfect though it may be. I don't believe in spending time to do something better but not quite good enough.

meinteel:

I do not mind creating a second document in favor of your petition. I can also help you contact various MPs whom I am very sure will read and work on it.

No dear... I don't need you to HELP me do a 2nd document. I am happy with my petition as it is. It is you who are not. If you do the 2nd document, do it to help further your own convictions, if you agree that our children are suffering. If you don't think children are suffering, then I waste time in this discussion because we will never agree. My son suffers, and so do the children of many parents. See comments here - http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?SgEd2011&1.

I too have access to MPs. Some I have known for years.

meinteel:

However if you are kind enough to explain to me what you meant by mixed ability teaching or suggest how to skew the bell curve differently...

It is not to be unkind, but I have no wish to explain again what I have ALREADY explained. You need to read. Or if you have read, you need to understand and absorb. It is possible that to fully understand, a face to face meeting is required. That I will do only if you are MOE.

In every way, the ideas in Document 2 should be original and your own, like my petition was original and my own. I do not need you to be my scribe because I can express myself. Document 2 is yours to own, and should reflect your own ideas and beliefs. Another petition indepednent of me and driven by you can only be good for the community. Unless of course, it is a petition against change.