NATION NEWS
Education report by new school term
Published on: 3/6/08.

WHEN THE NEW school year starts in September, the Minister of Education should have a preliminary report on the state of the island's education system.
education system.

Yesterday, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Ronald Jones told a new 14-member National Advisory Committee
on Education it was expected to present the report on the way forward for this critical sector.

Outlining the committee's terms of reference at the Elsie Payne Complex yesterday, the minister said: "We want you to examine the relevance of our present education system to the human resource development needs of the country."

Jones also told committee members that out of their findings and recommendations to be presented to him by year-end, a new education policy should be drafted.

The committee has to "engage stakeholders" in discussions in a number of areas with the view of making recommendations regarding the provision of adequate and affordable educational opportunities for every Barbadian; enhancing the quality of education, improving student performance and certifications as well as reducing the "disparities among the gifted, average, special needs and at risk students"
in the system.

They also have "to make recommendations on strategies to make school a rewarding experience for every child and to ensure
that every school child benefits from the educational system".

The committee has been charged with making recommendations that would "facilitate the fostering of appropriate attitudes and the development of programmes that would also ensure that every child realised his/her potential through education and training".

In order to achieve its objectives, town hall and community meetings will be held this month when the committee would "seek" comments, papers, memoranda from other individuals in society.

The National Advisory Commission on Education is chaired by Dr Letnie Rock and the deputy chairman is Robert "Bobby" Morris. Other members are Ryan Byer, Donna Hunte-Cox, Justin Browne, Dr Pearson Broomes, Dr Kerry King, Alrick Scott, Ian Austin, the Barbados Union of Teachers, Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, the Chief Education Officer or nominee, the Association of Public Primary School Principals, and the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations.

(DS)