A number of modifications will be taking effect very soon as the Ministry of Education seeks to undergo education reform. Minister of Education Dr. Hon. Natalio Wheatley announced in an address to stakeholders at the opening of education week that a number of changes will be coming into effect shortly. Namely;
• The activation of Education advisory boards
• Select committee on special education
• First ever junior minister of education student representative and
• Revitalization of the HLSCC teacher training program
While speaking at the opening ceremony of Education Week at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay on Sunday Minister Wheatley said:
“It is my intention to engage with various stakeholders with the aim of reforming the system, helping principals, teachers, parents, and students meet their objectives.”
“I am about to activate the Education Advisory Board, which the most recent Education Act made allowances for, though it was never formed,”
He said the board would have representation from the local Parent-Teacher Association, the Teachers Union, principals, the business community, none-government organizations, and education experts, among other groups.
Additionally, Minister Wheatley mentioned that plans are also in the making for a committee for special education.
He said he will establish such a committee before the end of this month.
The minister said the committee would bring together stakeholders in special education who will provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, the formation and execution of individualized educational plans, as well as resources to assist special needs students such as additional teacher aides in the classroom.
As for the addition of a junior minister of education-student representative, the minister hopes to have a student representative sit as Junior Minister of Education to foster more student involvement and student based perspective.
Minister Wheatley also added that his ministry will be seeking to reestablish the teacher training program at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to once again be able to afford students desirous of becoming trained teachers such an opportunity.