Basseterre: St. Kitts: In his address at the Official Release Ceremony for the May/June 2023 Examinations Result, held at the St. Kitts Marriott Ballroom, Thursday, 24 August, Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley provided a brief preview into the future framework of change to the education system within the Federation.
“For the next seven years, the Ministry of Education will be guided by the theme ‘Transforming Education through self-renewal, holistic partnerships and digital solutions.’ As educators we believe that our education system must be cutting edge and focused on preparing students to not just exist but to change the world,” remarked the Minister.
Minister Hanley continued “To do so, we have had to revamp our primary and lower secondary curriculum, thereby making it more robust with greater opportunity to keep track of student development throughout the year. Also, there is a greater emphasis on formative assessment. Our goal is to have a system where each learner’s cognitive capacities and personal learning styles are recognized and respected; while supporting and encouraging teachers as they assist each student to achieve his or her full potential.”
Recognizing the need to ensure students gain a competitive advantage both regionally and internationally, Minister Hanley said that technology will play a pivotal role in all aspects of education.
“As a Federation, we have always valued and championed the use of digital solutions to improve the teaching-learning experience. For the upcoming academic year, the Ministry of Education will begin rolling out its One-to-One Lap top initiative starting with third to fifth-form students in St. Kitts and Nevis who will receive a laptop as part of our digital solutions,” said Minister Hanley.” Teachers will also be equipped with a device and be provided with the necessary support which will enable them to utilize a blended approach. We will always as a Ministry, strive to ensure that we remain relevant in the global space, but in doing so, ensure that we develop the complete individual and not someone who is purely academic. It is against this backdrop that the Ministry will continue its drive to create alternative pathways which cater to each student’s interest and capabilities.”
Being cognizant of the increased national benefits to be derived from the professionalization of teachers, Minister Hanley said that the Ministry continues to work to “achieve sector efficiency.”
“This initiative is driven by the need to respond to a number of targets at both the regional and international levels. Currently, we have existing frameworks and guidelines to operationalize a National Teaching Council, Professional Teaching Standards, a Career Pathway and Continuous Professional Development.”