The schools have a curriculum. Go to the District office and ask to see one. The curriculum is similar to what is taught elsewhere in the world. Teachers are required to write lesson plans that follow the curriculum and course of study. There are low level administrators who supervise and follow up to see that these plans are written each week. What is missing is good pedagogy and no one supervises that, to my knowledge. There is no individualization and no follow-up to see that objectives that were not accomplished are retaught.
Teachers are evaluated, but at least in Jamao nearly everyone gets a good evaluation. Students are graded for the most part based on paper and pencil tests. If a teacher here in Jamao likes a student, special accommodations are made. If not, then the child's mark will reflect that.
There are, from my point of view, two issues that will keep education from improving. 1. Education cannot be political, as it is now. Directors, teachers, and other positions cannot be appointed based on political party instead of knowledge and competence. The education system needs continuity, not changes with each political party, In addition, the teacher's union has too much power that protects bad teachers, absent teachers, and prevents implementation of good practices. 2. Teachers need materials to diversify their teaching. They can learn all the methodology there is, but if they don't have supplies to teach using that methodology, then all goes to waste. The methodology needs to be changed from rote learning to STEM and problem solving based learning. Reading must be emphasized.
I can give specific examples to back up these points, but instead will give others a chance to provide input.
My two cents.
