Government needs to embark on a listening exercise to find out what's gone wrong with education says would-be Premier Ewart Brown.

He said beautiful academic edifices had been built but now it was time to shift the emphasis from "concrete and glass" to "teaching and learning".

He said it was necessary to talk to teachers to find out why so many children were failing to learn.

"Our discussions with teachers must go beyond pay and benefits. They must move forward to motivation, incentive and yes, accountability."

He said it was important to talk to parents. He said: "Why is little Maya not focused on her homework?

"What is it in Malik's environment that could help facilitate his getting to school on time, doing his homework on time and passing his exams with pride?"

Programmes might be developed to alleviate problems while parenting tips on handling school age children will be passed on.

"If poverty is at the root of the educational process we will address that. Sometimes it is.

"Sometimes it is an issue of incorrect priorities in the household ? education is not put at the forefront of the household."

Probed on how the single parent juggling two jobs to make ends meet could be helped, he said a council of economic advisors would be set up to look at Bermuda's economy.

"We have a different economy, unlike any in the world ? our taxi drivers travel more than their passengers.

"I would challenge them to see what sort of structural changes we can make in the economy ? many people are complaining that in order to make ends meet they have to lead very stressful lives. Included in that stress sometimes is the neglect of children."

Asked specifically what could be done he said he had nothing specific in mind although he has ruled out income tax.

He said the approach to education would be one of remediation at the lower level and advancement for those at the other end.

Children needed to be listened to in order to find out why they were underachieving said Dr. Brown who promised a renewed focus on the basics of reading, writing, math and critical thinking.

"We must set national standards based on international standards that will measure how they are doing at various steps along their way."

Bright children would be paired with celebrated high achievers, from both home and abroad, to plot a way forward.

Sports education will be boosted said Dr. Brown who said but for the opportunities of track and field "I would probably not be here today".

Giving children a grounding in Bermudian history will be given high priority said Dr. Brown.

He also suggested linking Bermudians to international business via an apprentice plan.