Speeches
Education Policy Paper Presented
BRADES: The following paper entitled 'Education-CPP Talks ' was presented at the opening of the Country Policy Plan (CPP).
This document was presented by Hon. Idabelle Meade, Minister of Education, Health, Community Services and Labour.
The actions and activities of the Department of Education are focused on the following key core principles as laid out in the Education Development Plan 2--2-2007:
* Providing access and equity for all
* Improving student achievement and establishing defined rising standards
* Developing the skills base for Montserrat
* Promoting healthy life styles
* Establishing partnerships and alliances between the relevant sectors
The overall objective for the GOM (Government of Montserrat) is to improve the quality of education and student performance to ensure that the education system provides our people with the required skills and aptitude for the rebuilding and development process.
Key policies and objectives for the Education Sector during the Education Development Plan period include:
* Expanding access and enhancing equity, focusing particularly on Early Childhood, Tertiary and Special Education.
* Raising student achievement in all sub-sectors by improving the quality of provision, and promoting student centred learning strategies.
* Providing a skills base for the regeneration of Montserrat.
* Promoting the development of healthy lifestyles and the values necessary for human and dignified living.
* Expanding recreational, sports and cultural activities at all levels.
* Strengthening partnerships and alliances between schools, parents, communities and the public and private sectors.
Key activities to be carried out over the period include:
Accessibility to and availability of education
* Improvement of physical access at the early childhood level with emphasis on better learning and play facilities.
* The establishment of a Special Needs Unit at the Montserrat Secondary School for children with learning disabilities of secondary school age.
* The establishment of the Montserrat Community College (MCC). It is envisaged that this institution would offer a wide range of courses, through formal and non-formal means, aimed at developing the skills base of the labour force, and on providing students with the skills needed to function in a modern economy. The college would also play an important role in the retention of the young population.
* Crucial to the strengthening of the education sector is the passage of the new Education Act and the review of the Education Policy in light of the new Act, the performance of students and the developments at the national and regional levels.
Quality of Education
* As the population increases emphasis will be place on providing all students with opportunities to perform to the best of their abilities.
* The curriculum will be reviewed and special emphasis will be placed on science and technology, the creative arts, personal and civic skills and the promotion of values and healthy lifestyles. An alternative curriculum will be identified for students with special needs.
* Learning outcomes and attainment standards for each core area will be established and mechanisms created to facilitate continuity in instruction between the primary and secondary levels.
* Methods of assessment will be reviewed and the pedagogical skills of teachers improved. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening skills in the teaching of literacy and numeracy and coping with children with special education needs.
* Special attention will be paid to students at risk and those who are mentally and physically handicapped. A Support Services for School Unit will be established.
* Funds will be sought for the purchase of equipment and materials, which would enable teachers to adequately cater to a diversity of student abilities and learning patterns.
* Attempts will be made to strengthen partnerships and alliances between schools, parents, communities, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.
* School management issues will be addressed, ways of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of schools enhanced and methods of providing feedback improved. (Feb 11, 2004)
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