Opposition demands clarification on Thwaites' GSAT placement statement

The Opposition is calling for Education Minister, Ronald Thwaites, to clarify statements he made on how students who sat the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) earlier this year will be placed in secondary schools.

Last week, Thwaites said starting this year, students who are successful in the test will be placed in schools closer to where they live.

He explained that the move is aimed at curbing the practice of students gathering at bus parks as well as to reduce their travel time.

However, the Opposition spokesperson on Education, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, says some parents have expressed their distress and confusion to her.

She says there needs to be urgent clarification especially as it relates to how the process will be conducted. 

Senator Johnson Smith also says such a rationale for placing students could be counterproductive if the inequities in the education system are not addressed first.

Our news centre has contacted Thwaites for a response but up to news time, none was forthcoming.

GSAT results are expected to be released within another two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Teachers' Association has publicly expressed support for the move.