Schools should get PTAs, NGOs to help shape personality of students

The Daily Sun http://www.thesundaily.my/news/404000

KUALA LUMPUR (June 11, 2012): The Education Ministry has issued guidelines for schools to hold joint programmes with parent-teacher associations and non-governmental organisations in an attempt to add value to efforts to shape the personality of students, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the responsibility was widened so that teachers would not be burdened beyond teaching hours.

“We have also involved teachers but not up to the point that they have to return to school even on Saturdays. That is why we have set the guidelines on having joint programmes with the PTAs and NGOs. This must be adhered to,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang) on the extent of the priority given to teachers in overcoming negative social problems faced by students.

Wee said the ministry would consider the justification of a proposed programme so as not to burden teachers.

“However, in addressing the social problems, we should not only look at the school’s point of view but also the perspective of society,” he said.

Responding to a supplementary question, from Datuk Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau), on a proposal to have special examinations to enable non-graduate teachers to be promoted to Grade DG41, Wee said the ministry had provided many opportunities to teachers to further their studies.

He said this included offers to further their studies to acquire a degree at teacher training institutions.

“For those who cannot afford to do so, the recently improved salary scheme also gives them an opportunity to earn salaries higher than that of Grade DG41 based on seniority,” he said.

Wee said teachers who were prepared to further their studies in public universities had a better chance of moving up in their career, including getting promoted up to Grade DG54.

(Source : Bernama/ The Sun)