The injustice of Social Promotion

The Issue: Plans by the Board of Education to address and resolve social promotions in the PSS.

Our View: We thank the BOE for addressing what would have become a common injustice here.

We are gratified of the position taken by the chairman of the board of education to end social promotion in our Public School System.

The agenda may be difficult at the outset, but it is really the most appropriate step in ascertaining that our children, in fact, hone their basic skills for Life After High School (LAHS).

Indeed, we have locals who have learned their trades well. For instance, a boat captain may have learned everything about his trade, but incapable of being awarded management position for an obvious inability: Can’t read nor write basic English. Therefore, he can’t take a written test, a requisite for upward mobility. We are sure too that there are many locals who face this difficulty in their jobs. They must have been recipients of social promotions inherent in our educational system.

It is not too late to take basic training courses in English and Math for those already with families. The Northern Marianas College in concert with the Public School System can jointly address this need. Yes, there’s the Adult Basic Education now in place. But we need to take those who need to take basic courses through a “cake walk” that success is earned and that the only missing equation is YOU! You can land there softly if you take the proverbial first step. Do it, now!

It is never too late to learn and how encouraging tidings of young mothers who had to leave high school early, but have returned to complete basic courses for they know that either they do it now or kiss off any prospects of landing meaningful jobs. Friends, never slam the doors of learning against your face. You may nourish your pride the old Chamorro Way. But why victimize yourself when time and opportunities abound to learn lifetime skills?

The onus to learning lifetime skills is with no one else except yourself. Do yourself the favor by forging ahead to learning the basics in preparation for a more promising future. Only those who step forward would eventually reap the benefits of their sacrifice. Do it today. You owe it to yourself. Our salute to the chairman of the BOE for your frank views, sir. Si Yuus Maase` yan ghilisow!