Experts say that anarchy at Wordsworth High School reflects a comprehensive leadership and discipline crisis in schools in South Africa.
Education experts yesterday described laxity at Wordsworth High School in Benoni as dangerous, saying that it reflects a micro world of disturbing tendency in South African schools, with some principals in management, administrative and leadership skills.
Helen Hofmeer of Steelbosh University, the author of a study at the level of teacher stress, who told about the teachers wishing to leave the profession, was “not unique” in Wordsworth.
Matakani Matakanya, general secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies, said Wordsworth School reflected the “one national problem”.
Wordsworth Mirror ‘National Problem’
“A teacher who finished the university five years ago – now a principal – does not have the experience of managing people.
“Due to corruption in the country, no one has educational qualification, he buys his way to become a teacher or principal.
“This person does not have management, administrative, or leadership skills to become a principal, just kept by his organizations with some,” Matakanya said.
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He urged the Department of Basic Education to adopt auditing schools in search of qualification as soon as possible, as soon as possible.
The department, he said, “It should be seen if a person is eligible for a job”.
Leading educationist Mary Matcaf said: “Wordsworth’s situation is worrying.
Need to step into the district
“Where such laxity exists, there is a need to step into the district.
“Major stakeholders must be collected in a clear program to solve these problems.
“Schools are part of society, reflect problems in society and broad community. All major stakeholders should involve in supporting schools that experience such problems.”
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Clinical psychologist Dr. Ketumetse Mashego said “there were many reasons for the current status of schools”.
“What is happening in schools, reflects conflicts in our society, such as drug abuse.
Teachers, he said, “Was not sad”.
Teachers are not being equipped
“The education system is falling under pressure, where parents, school governing bodies, prominent stakeholders, principal and government, sometimes have a problem.
“It leads to sick discipline for students and non-performing teachers.
“Unfortunately, some principals are not the manager or leader. They struggle with moral practices and inability to establish discipline when necessary in scholars, teachers or themselves.
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“Some have no passion for their work and they are self-centered, corrupting the system and a part of the problem,” Mashego said.
“Schools require strict polices that apply to those who break the rules.
“Policies should be applied with constant serious consequences, no matter who the student is.”
Schools need strict policies
He said that education sessions about the effects of substances and other mental health challenges should be held with students and they should reach social workers and mental health professionals for screening and support.
“Parenting requires evaluation and support.”