Reform suggestion evokes testy reaction

One of the suggestions was for the improvement of student programs.

AL-BAHA: Said Makhaish, director of education of Al-Baha, took exception to a remark by Khidr Al-Qurashi, member of the education committee in the Shoura Council, who said that the learning environment is unattractive. Makhaish wanted to know why he did not do something about it when he had the power to.
Makhaish said that Al-Qurashi could have given all the needed support, particularly financial, when he was in his place.
“When they leave their post, some start criticizing the place where they worked for 10 of years,” said Makhaish, suggesting that Al-Qurashi should provide the ministry with programs that can make the education environment more attractive instead of just criticizing.
Agreeing with Al Qurashi, Makhaish said schools do need to enter into partnerships with the society. However, he asserted that teachers and supervisors have to undergo training, and schools and student programs have to be improved.
Makhaish said that for several years, the ministry have been working to implement the experience of international schools in the Kingdom that were successful in making the learning environment attractive.
He also said that the Al-Baha region has attractive schools, but the number of students in some areas makes it imperative for the directorate of education to rent buildings. However, rented buildings make no more than 15 percent of the total number of schools.
Government schools, he added, enjoy all the facilities required, as attested by the experts who inspected them.
Al Qurashi had been critical in the media of the educational environment, asking what made international schools successful.
He also urged creating partnerships between the Ministry of Education and other organizations to address the behavioral problems of some students.