NPTA responds to numeracy test results

The National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA) has pointed to several factors which it believes have contributed to the alarming results of the Grade Four Numeracy Test.



In its report of the results the education ministry said of the more than 46,000 students who sat the Mathematics test only 45 per cent achieved mastery.



Only 42 per cent of the more than 41,000 students from public primary schools attained mastery.



Seventy-seven per cent of the close to $5,000 students from private institutions who sat the test were able to achieve the highest level of pass.



NPTA President, Reverend Miranda Sutherland, says overcrowding and the uncaring nature of some teachers have contributed to the less than satisfactory performance of some students from public primary schools.





Meanwhile, the Jamaica Teachers Association, JTA is expressing disappointment with the results.



However, the JTA president Michael Stewart says teachers will need to spend time working more closely with weaker students to prevent a reoccurrence.