MOE to take firm stand against unreasonable demands on teachers

SINGAPORE: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said a firm stand must be taken against unreasonable demands placed on teachers.

He said this in his speech at the ministry’s annual Work Plan Seminar on Wednesday.

Mr Heng said the majority of parents are supportive partners of teachers.

But he highlighted instances of excessive demands made by parents on teachers.

Mr Heng gave the example of the mother who filed a police report upon finding out that her son’s teacher had cut his hair before his PSLE oral exam which the mother claimed had ruined her son’s S$60 haircut.

Mr Heng said: "The simple fact is that the son was reminded over and over again to trim his hair. And when that failed, the school sent a letter. And the mother’s response was that her son was dyslexic, and therefore forgetful.

"As one writer puts it in one of our media commentaries, by raising such a hullabaloo, ’the mother did herself and her son no favours’. Now, if parents do not show graciousness to others and respect for rules, our young will not do so either. Soon, discipline will be eroded. The tone in our schools will deteriorate, and the tone in our society too."

— CNA/fa