MoE boo boo

I haven't decided if I should be gracious and accept that large organisations (even bureaucratic, 'well-run', 'cannot fail' types like the Ministry of Education in Singapore can make mistakes, or I should be cynical and suggest that the only reason they've apologised is because they've been 'caught out' (opps!). In this big bad world of the world wide web, one can no longer hide... for long!!!

The background: There's a conference for teachers happening in Sept 2010 organised in Singapore. They've invited one of the best teachers of the year from America and then within a week, retracted the invite coz she's 'deaf'. right, you read right. She's deaf. They've since said that the reason why the misunderstanding arose was because they thought she'd need interpreters (and well, Singaporean Deaf people can't act as interpreters???!! we don't have sign language experts??), and because they thought she only taught Primary School kids (and are primary school kids that unimportant that even if she did only teach such children, the fact that she's been nominated 'teacher of the year' is surely something to shout about and surely she's got tips and ideas to pass on and share?!?!?!).

In my opinion, what a load of Bull.
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Dear Pamela

I refer to your email to Minister. Thank you for your feedback.

The withdrawal of our invitation to Ms Susan Elliot was a mistake on our part. It arose from our misunderstanding about the need for interpreters and her professional experience. The chairman of the Organising Committee has since contacted Ms Elliot and spoken to her personally to convey our sincere apologies. We should have clarified these matters before making the decision. Ms Elliot has accepted our apology and the Organising Committee is delighted that she will participate at the Teachers' Conference in September. We look forward to her contributions in making the Conference a success.


Ms Sucillia Sukiman
Secretary
Teachers' Conference 2010 Organising Committee
Ministry of Education • 51 Grange Road • Singapore 249564 • http://www.moe.gov.sg
Integrity the Foundation • People our Focus • Learning our Passion • Excellence our Pursuit


Dear Minister
I read with fascination and horror about the going ons of the Ministry of Education - and I must say, if any of this is even remotely true, then I am most disappointed in the decision that your ministry has chosen to take.

You may wish to have a look at this blog and perhaps correct me if this is completely misdirected and 'miscommunicated'.

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teacher_of_the_year/2010/04/singapores_city_upon_a_hill.html

I await your reply, with interest.

Best wishes

Pamela Yeow Ph.D