THE EDITOR: The Minister of Education, being embarrassed by the incompetence of her ministry in the ranking of students in last year's SEA examinations, has solved the problem by removing rankings for the SEA examination this year. She alluded that there was 'unhealthy competitiveness.'

Throughout my teaching career, students have always been ranked. It is the basis on which prizes are awarded and students compete for recognition. Reward for excellence is an essential part of education as it inspires others to do better. It generates interest and ultimately leads to effort and results.

Ranking is far healthier than telling 9,000 students that they were failures and must do remedial classes before entering secondary school. This will ultimately leave a sense of under-achievement and a scar they must carry for the rest of their lives.

IMAAM IQUBAL HYDAL

retired educator

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