Parents and the business community could do more to rally around the public education system.

That was one of a list of findings which the local chapter of Phi Delta Kappa will forward by next month to the Education Ministry to help take the public school system into the 21st century.

The findings came from 36 people who took part in roundtable discussions held on Saturday at Cathedral Hall.

With the proposals as mixed as the group which ranged from educators to representatives of blue collar workers, president of the local chapter Beverley Daniels said she was more than happy with the event -- the first of its kind in Bermuda for Phi Delta Kappa.

"We were pleased with the turnout,'' she said. "Even though we had 36 people, nine were non-educators. I believe this mix of educators and non-educators made for healthy dialogue.

"It was also interesting that the facilitators were not educators.

"I've had positive feedback and there was also the suggestion that we need another one.'' Speaking to the suggestion for more support of public schools, Mrs. Daniels noted: "Frequently you see where large sums of money are donated to private education. Public schools can use similar support.'' Non-financial support, such as apprenticeships, was also needed, she added.

Other recommendations at the meeting, moderated by Donald Anderson, former dean of the College of Education at the University of Ohio, included: Tackling truancy problems; Doing more to challenge students; Improving and increasing assessment of students at every level; and Teaching children more rather than simply covering subject matter.

Although middle and senior schools held this philosophy, Mrs. Daniels admitted that it was going to be a struggle for some educators as they moved from the traditional teaching paradigm.

While not surprised by the findings of the roundtable discussions, she noted that there was no mention of the ways that schools were effective.

"I felt we could have done a better job at looking closely at those things that we are doing well and what we can improve,'' Mrs. Daniels said.

Phi Delta Kappa would probably hold a second forum on a Saturday evening to allow those who work or worship on Saturday mornings to attend.

"But for that many people to come out on a Saturday morning and the diversity of the group, it spoke volumes to the interest,'' she stressed.

"We will be looking at how we will be able to extend this process.

"We will be forwarding a report to the Education Department.'' The report is also expected to be made public.

Donald Anderson EDUCATION ED