Lessons learned from US education experience

Once again Terry Prone has said it equitably but spot on (Irish Examiner, April 13). 

As a retired educator of 40 years in a very large American city, I experienced teacher ratings that brought to graduation classes of 17 year olds who could not read but were “nice” kids.

Nationwide, large US cities were forced to administer standardised testing. This unbiased exam scoring serves the student and the teacher and the school system well, to give evidence of the proficiency of each.

The school exam system in Ireland — teacher-evaluated in blind scoring — works very well.

The new education minister needs a vision that perpetuates this by focusing on improved student achievement, expanded curriculum and funds to do all of the above.

The new minister’s role should be in collaboration not in poorly researched innovation.

Joyce Anderson

Belgooly

Co Cork