The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is suggesting that there should be an official assessment of temperatures in classrooms across the country to determine which schools are in dire need of air conditioning units.

JTA President Dr. Mark Smith made the suggestion after two climate experts told Wednesday’s sitting of parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee, that it was an unfair ask to expect students to perform in classrooms that are not conducive to a cool environment.

A call was made for air conditioning units to be installed in the nation’s schools.

Speaking with Irie Fm news, Dr. Smith said he endorses the call for a cooler learning environment, as he too acknowledges the effect that heat has on learning.

He, however, noted that the practicality of installing air conditioning units, on such a large scale, must be explored.

The JTA president said cost is a major factor to consider.

Dr. Smith, who is also the principal of Munro College in St. Elizabeth, said an audit of schools could be conducted to determine which institutions are most in need of the units.