The definition of “holistic” states that it addresses the “whole” part of something, and in the medical world it is organically treating the whole body; to me, this is extremely personal, especially when dealing with children. Measuring “the whole” ability of the child is something that I believe cannot be done in a simple test or evaluation.  Though educators, psychologists, and other test designs have spent numerous years trying to come up with tests, tricky mazes and other gimmicks in order to measure and label the minds of children, many do not know that tests such as the IQ test, do not even test a child’s academic ability or deemed “Intelligence.” I think that the best thing that can be tested within a child, is their ability to persevere. I think that this is a more accurate aspect to measure, because if a child has a decreased willpower or motivation to push forward in certain aspects of education, knowledge or life goals; than a teacher or guide has the opportunity to nurture and motivate that perseverance so that the child has a more positive outlook on life and that desire to succeed.




   In Jamaica, there is a high importance placed upon education, especially early childhood education. Upon entering into Primary Education children are exposed to a Caribbean curriculum and standards from the NAP (National Assessment Program). Jamaica is also proud to have achieved Universal Primary Education. This provides children with free education for 6 years, and many children who enter in at age six are already reading in many cases. This emphasizes that the value of education and discipline that is placed upon children in Jamaica. This goes to show that education is of great importance, and the educational development of the children is even more valued.