Request to parents

Press, 29 August 1978, Page 2

Request to parents

The back to basics argument is getting out of hand, and is causing serious damage, according to the national president of the School Committees Federation (Mr Alan Shaw). School committees were worried about children leaving school ill-equipped to meet the demands of modern society, but a L.ck of basic skills did not necessarily indicate a drop in education standards, he said. Critics were blaming the Education Department and teaching profession for shortcomings ■ which were apparent to everyone, he said.

However, parents and the community must accept their share of the blame, said Mr Shaw, speaking

aiter a national executive meeting of his federation at the week-end.

He called for a change in parent attitude: greater involvement and interest were needed to ensure that children went to school receptive to learning. Reading and providing books, supervising homework, and talking over school issues with children were also important. Mr Shaw said that the Johnson report “Growing, Sharing and Learning,” held the key for a greater partnership between the community and the schools. He said the federation’s top priority this year was improving communications between schools, committees, and education boards.