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New non-graduate policy bold, but proceed with caution

The new policy to place outstanding non-graduate educators on the graduate salary scale is a bold, creative move worth exploring. Excellent grades in school do not equate to excellent job performance. (“Improved prospects for non-graduates in Public Service”; Aug 27)

The new policy to place outstanding non-graduate educators on the graduate salary scale is a bold, creative move worth exploring. Excellent grades in school do not equate to excellent job performance. (“Improved prospects for non-graduates in Public Service”; Aug 27)

Having said that, it would be good to think more deeply about the pros and cons of this major shift because it can go the other way, as is the case of Japan today.

In Japan, the difference between non-graduates and graduates is only in the starting pay scale. Beyond that, the two groups compete at the same level in the course of career progression. This does not motivate students to aim higher.

High school teachers sometimes have trouble convincing students and parents to aim for university, instead of a vocational school, and a more challenging job thereafter as the child is bright and can outdo himself or herself in a higher academic environment.

There is little visible edge that graduates would have over non-graduates later on, so some parents and students see university studies as a waste of time and money.

A former student of mine tried out the employment test to be a government officer at the non-graduate level and quit his studies at reputedly the best university in his prefecture to take up the job because his career progression will be no different from a graduate’s.

As much as work performance may be more important than paper qualifications, similar job rewards for graduates and non-graduates create the mindset that a university education is not necessary. But a university education is not only a paper chase.

It is to broaden the mind and one’s horizons, encourage critical thinking and develop smart individuals. As stated in the letter “A degree not the only prerequisite for success” (Aug 27), non-graduates find time to upgrade themselves quietly, while staying employed.

A degree, at least, takes a person “to the doorstep” in terms of unquantifiable personal development.

I agree that lifelong skills and strength of character define success in life better than paper qualifications do. (“Work on basics to lessen emphasis on paper chase”; Aug 26)

I agree that “as a society, we must respect every person and every job, and encourage everyone to achieve excellence in their fields”. (“Better prospects for poly, ITE grads as S’pore adopts ‘cultural shift’”; Aug 26)

Interestingly, however, the culture of Japan now makes everyone so respectful of every job and person that many students aim for only a decent-paying, permanent job near home, regardless of whether it fully exploits their personal potential and educational level.

We can observe how the latest changes in Singapore will pan out, but if we are not careful, these can lessen our students’ drive towards academic and personal excellence.

The writer, a Singaporean, lives in a northern prefecture in Japan and has been an educator there for seven years.

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