Hon. Parsons discusses School Violence and Education Review

The Department of Education is implementing a programme aimed at addressing the social challenges facing students in the Primary and Secondary Schools in the territory, according to Minister of Education the Honourable Eileene Parsons. She was responding to a question posed by Territorial-at-Large Representative Hon. Ronnie Skelton of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) during the Legislative Council meeting of Tuesday June 6th. He noted that school violence has become a very real part of the environment in which the youths of the territory receive their education.

Commenting on the issue, she noted that the school, as a social organization, is impacted greatly by the changes in society at large, hence, increased violence in society would also mean increased aggression and violence in our schools. "From our observations, we realize that there are increased levels of aggression among students across the entire education system, from Pre-School to Secondary School." She said in response to this and other social issues facing the school, the Department of Education has increased the number of Guidance Officers in the service and provide additional training for Guidance Officers. "To further improve the personal, social and moral development of our students, the Department of Education also plans to review the Schools Guidance programme..., restructure our Guidance programme so as to be better able to meet the needs of the student population, develop and enact a Student Code of Conduct, which would list levels of infractions and possible consequences (and) develop closer linkages between the home, the school and the community, through public and private partnership in education." In related news, the Minister of Education noted that the legislative framework on which the education system of the territory is based in the Education Ordinance (Chap.116), enacted in 1977 and amended in 1987. Hon. Parsons noted that this document clearly needs to be updated. "This process has started through efforts to develop the OECS Draft Model Legislation."

She also noted that the Consultants conducting the education review visited the territory during the week of May 8th-12th, 2000 to discuss the draft report with the review team. "The Consultants are now finalizing the report, which, when completed, will be presented to Executive Council. The public will be informed of the recommendations." Hon. Skelton also inquired of the status of the recently acquired trailer classrooms for the BVI High School. The Minister replied that three trailers were purchased earlier in the year to complement the classroom space needed at the BVIHS after it was determined that Block A should be demolished. "All trailers are installed and usable. However, one trailer requires further electrical upgrade as the additional buildings have significantly impacted on the existing electrical system at the BVI High School and is found to be inadequate to carry the load."

She said they are now in the process of upgrading and re-wiring the entire school campus and work is ongoing, in conjunction with the BVI Electricity Corporation, to ascertain the needs. This upgrade is expected to take place as soon as the Ministry receives estimates for the work. In addition, the perimeter fence at the BVIHS, she noted, is repaired regularly as part of the Department's ongoing maintenance programme.

The Minister of Education also responded to a question from Member for the Fourth District about changes in the format of the Primary Five examination. She said for several years, the Department of Education administered the Primary Five exam in two parts, the first sitting in January and the second in May. "In an attempt to improve this process, it was decided to institute a component of school-based assessment which would replace part 1 of the examination." Hon. Parsons explained that the new component to the assessment would be conducted by the Class Teacher within the school, based on specific criteria set by the Department. The Department of Education would moderate the final grade.

"This varied approach, it is felt, would provide opportunities to re-focus on developing broad competencies in students, provide opportunities for greater Teacher involvement in the assessment process, provide for greater balance between the teaching/learning process and the end product and allow for greater openness and accountability of the education process," she stated. Part II of the exam will continue to be administered in the regular format in May.