The "microscope" on the revised implementation of the test[/B]to measure in schools will be put under the "microscope" of the Secretariat of Organised parents of Primary Education this afternoon. The session will include an evaluation of the measure and decisions will be made on how primary parents will proceed following the Department of Health's decision to implement the measure from today.
Speaking to the Cyprus Times, the President of the Pancyprian Confederation of Primary School Parents, Frixos Zebylas, said that parents were in for a surprise as to how the measure was shaped from yesterday morning until yesterday afternoon. "The reason is that a discussion was initiated by all parties involved in the last 1-2 weeks and none of them raised the issue of either strikes or walkouts, test to stay," he stressed
He explained that "the ministry announced on Sunday a specific methodology on how it will be implemented. In 4-5 hours a change was initiated. In the change, we brought before the minister some practical issues that we felt could not work. They recommended that even pharmacists should be recruited so that there would be 100% coverage. The minister's intention was to do something, but you understand that because of time, this measure could not be implemented today."
He also stressed that "as parents we feel that we have no say. That is, there was a dialogue yesterday but at the time when a decision was to be made we were not asked whether we not if we accept it, but at least comment on the form of the measure."
"The practical implementation will show," he continued, "but many of the teachers are also parents. That is, with this move that will be made we will also lose teaching time. We do take responsibility for our children for tests etc., but when we asked if parents are entitled to enter other schools, we did not receive a clear answer. The Ministry of Education said I can't answer and the Ministry of Health said they can't get in."
"So," he explained, "when there is some ambiguity and we don't get clear answers, you have to look at how you react. The minister has promised us that we will have another meeting next Monday to assess the situation as it develops."
Asked whether any problems arose on the measure's first day of implementation today, Mr. Zebylas replied that "they have not received a comprehensive update so far."
Asked to comment on the 50-minute delay that occurred at Agios Panteleimon Primary School in Limassol, Zebylas said: "one of the practical issues we had serious concerns about is the time it will take parents to complete this cycle. Ideally the result of a test comes out in 20 minutes, in addition to the delay you mentioned, is the traffic that will be generated, as well as the process of getting the email to go out so that the children can return to their units."
"I think they expect that not everything will work perfectly and there will be some problems or delays," he added."
Zebylas expressed concern that there is no assurance that elementary students who do not go through this process will enjoy quality instructional time, like middle school students who have the option of distance education, while noting that the possibility of extending the school year should be seriously considered.
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