Vision Statement

• Enabling the development of informed, socially conscious, innovative, empowered and globally competent citizens.

 

Mission Statement

• Ensuring quality education and training in a caring, equitable, inclusive and enabling environment for sustainable  national development

 

Core Values

Core Values are the guiding principles that the Ministry consider to be very important as staff members perform work and conduct themselves.

 

• Accountability

  • Accepting responsibilities for actions, performance and decisions while honouring commitment to our internal and external stakeholders.

 

• Transparency

  • Display high levels of openness and honesty to cultivate trust as we serve our stakeholders.

 

• Integrity

  • Operate with the highest moral and ethical standards

 

• Respect

  • Value, appreciate and serve all

 

• Care

  • Promote a culture of love and empathy through service; ensuring that we are people centric, as we demonstrate an understanding of their needs and act in their best interest

 

• Equity

  • Create a fair and impartial environment that provides opportunities for all to achieve their fullest potential

 

• Service Excellence

  • Create a culture of excellence that attains quality outcomes

 

• Leadership

  • Inspiring and influencing people to achieving organisational, professional and personal goals in a changing environment

 

• Continuous Learning

  • Create a psychologically safe space where learning is valued

 

Policy Priorities (Central Ministry)

The Policy Priorities are the overarching initiatives that guide the implementation of the Ministry’s programmes.

1. Child and Youth Development
2. Child Care and Protection
3. Lifelong Learning
4. Governance and Accountability
5. Information and Communication
6. Quality Education and Training
7. Stakeholder Engagement
8. Parenting Support
9. Bridging the “Digital Divide”

 

Strategic Objectives

• The strategic objectives of the Ministry are:

1. To maximize parental involvement/engagement in the lives of all Jamaican children by 2026

 

2. To minimize the number of at-risk children and youth by 30% by 2026

 

3. To maximize the percentage of all Jamaican children and youth who have access to quality care, stimulation, education and training (0 – 29 years) by 2026

 

4. To maximize access to, and use of digital technologies for effective teaching and learning as well as institutional strengthening for the advancement of all teachers and students by 2026

 

5. To optimize capacity of state facilities to support the safe, secure and healthy environment for children by 2026

 

6. To maximize access to all official records, provide information and digital literacy by 2026

 

7. To maximize the educational performance of all students by 2026

 

8. To maximize the percentage of all Jamaican educational programmes and institutions that meet prescribed standards of quality by 2026

 

9. To ensure the efficient deployment of all human, financial, material and technological resources and increase infrastructural support toward the achievement of the Ministry’s goals by 2026

 

10. To increase compliance with all national and applicable international conventions, standards, laws and regulations to support effective governance and accountability by 2026

 

Programmes and Sub-Programmes

A Programme is an intervention strategy intended to contribute to the Ministry’s goals and the Sub-Programme is the service and operations which will assist in achieving the targets for the overall Programme.

Programmes, Objectives & Outcome	Sub Programmes and Objectives
1.    Executive Direction and Administration   Objective: Institutional governance and operational capacity of the MoEY strengthened by 2026   Outcome: Improved administration, planning and management of the education sector	1.1      Policy, Planning and Development          Objective: To provide relevant and timely data to facilitate effective policy, planning and monitoring of the education sector by 2026   1.2      Central Administration          Objectives: Effective management of resources in the sector by 2026 To improve service delivery within the education sector by 2026
2. Education and Training Services   Objectives: Quality of education and training improved by 2026 Access to education and training increased by 2026       Outcome: Improved students’ performance at the different levels of the system	2.1      Pre-primary Education           Objective:  To provide access to quality education for children at the pre- primary level by 2026   2.2      Primary Education          Objectives: To provide access to quality education to children at the primary level by 2026 To increase and maintain the literacy and numeracy rates at the grade 4 level by 2026 2.3      Secondary Education          Objective:  To improve student performance on national and regional examinations up to the secondary level by 2026   2.4      Higher Education and Training          Objective:  To increase the percentage of Jamaican educational programmes at the tertiary level that meet prescribed standards of quality by 2026   2.5      Special Needs Services           Objective: To increase access to special education support for children at risk through public education, needs based intervention and programmes for their safety, security, growth and development by 2026   2.6      Curriculum Development and Support           Objective: To improve the relevance of the curriculum offerings at all levels of the education system by 2026   2.7      Student Assessment          Objective: To improve the assessment framework from pre- primary to secondary level of the education system by 2026   2.8      Teacher Training and Development           Objective: To promote and sustain the quality of practice in the teaching profession by 2026   2.9      Regional Educational Support           Objective: To provide quality educational services to the sector at the Regional level by 2026
3.       Student Support Services   Objective: Integrated Student Support Services provided for improved learning outcomes by 2026     Outcome: Improved access to social services for students in need	3.1    School Nutritional Support          Objective: To provide nutritional support for vulnerable students to assist in the improvement of learning outcomes by 2026   3.2    Scholarship and Awards         Objective: To ensure scholarship support is accessible to students at the secondary and tertiary levels by 2026   3.3    Student Financial Assistance          Objective: To provide financial assistance and awards to students in need by 2026
4.       Public Education and Information   Objective: Relevant and timely information accessible to all by 2026   Outcome: Improved access to relevant, quality and timely information to the public	4.1      Records & Information Management          Objective: To provide access to high quality Government records by 2026   4.2      Public Library Services          Objective: To increase universal knowledge among stakeholders by 2026
5.       Child and Youth Development   Objectives: Quality of child care and protection services improved by 2026 Reduction in the number of vulnerable and at-risk youth by 2026   Outcome: Increased access to child and youth development services	5.1    Child Development Services           Objective: To provide child care and protection services to the nation’s children by 2026   5.2  Youth Development Services Objective: To provide appropriate services to empower youths by 2026

 

 

---

 

NATIONAL GOAL:                            

• Jamaicans are empowered to achieve their fullest potential

NATIONAL OUTCOME:                 

• National Outcome #1 –A, Healthy and Stable Population
• National Outcome #2 – World Class Education and Training

 

CONTRIBUTING GOJ STRATEGIC PRIORITY:

• Human Capital Development

BUDGET NO: as it appears in the budget book

 

Ministry of Education and Youth Revised Sector Outcomes

1. Improved administration, planning and management of the education sector
2. Improved students’ performance at the different levels of the system
3. Improved access to social services for students in need
4. Improved quality of information offered to the public
5. Increased access to child and youth development service

 

Focus Areas

Ministry of Education and Youth 2023-24

Priority Areas	Focus
Child and Youth Development	Early Childhood Education Streamlining of Brain Builders programme Age 4 Assessment Cooks/Practitioner/Caregivers Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Child Care and Protection	National Child Online Protection Strategy Monitoring of Line 211 National Plan of Action for an Integrated Response to Children and Violence Complete revision of the National Children’s Policy and all the other legislative work  Complete development of the Safe Schools Policy Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Lifelong Learning	Continuous Professional Development Stackable credentials Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Governance and Accountability	Modernization Education Transformation Reorganization of HR structure Improvement of the System Improve Financial Management & Governance  Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Information and Communication	Robust communication system Improved Communication strategy Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Bridging the Digital Divide	Tablets in Schools Own Your Own Device/Teacher Laptop Programme Broad Band Connectivity Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Quality Education and Training	Sixth Form Pathway Programme Access to greater educational opportunities by students  Rollout of Civics as a subject in schools & Character Education focus TVET/VTDI Upgrade of labs in schools Equipping of staff with digitization and retooling/training of staff in schools Exams and Assessment Develop and implement reliable assessment at the primary and secondary level to measure the NSC. Establish a National Assessment Policy align to the National Assessment Programme. Create and maintain a robust database with students’ performance data Psychosocial Programme  Guidance & Counselling Safety and Security – Securing our schools physically Propagate safe actions and behaviours in schools Nutrition in Schools National Textbook Programme Rental Books Programme Furniture Tertiary Policy/Legislative Agenda Grants/Funding Infrastructure Maintenance Programme Building out/new Infrastructure ·         Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Stakeholder Engagement	Increase internal and external stakeholder’s engagement Increased Consultations on Policy and Legislative Reform  Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021
Parenting Support	Increased parental support, coordination and training for parental involvement in education Continuation of parenting programmes/initiatives  Implementation of recommendations from the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s Report 2021

 

 

---

 

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION STORY

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is the government entity responsible for the management and administration of public education in Jamaica. The Ministry of Education was first established in 1953, as the Ministry of Education and Social Welfare. Currently, the MoE carries out the Government of Jamaica’s mandate of ensuring a system which secures quality education and training of all citizens of Jamaica in order to optimise individual and national development.The MoE provides the avenue for the enrichment and upward mobility of our people through education. The organisation is one of Jamaica’s largest public entities and is comprised presently of 11 agencies, six Regional Offices, and a central office with approximately 40 units which fall under 5 divisions. These unite to provide the framework for the efficient functioning of over 1,000 public educational institutions that serve over 100,000 students and over 20,000 teachers. The Ministry of Education is also responsible for two public universities and several community, multidisciplinary and teachers’ colleges. Core Roles and FunctionsThe Ministry’s role of effectively managing the education system is accomplished through the execution of functions carried out by its divisions and agencies.  Among these functions are:

• Planning, developing and implementing educational policies and programmes
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of locally and internationally funded projects and programmes
• Maintaining an efficient system of collecting, collating, analyzing and presenting current and accurate data on quantifiable educational indicators to meet local demand and international standards
• Developing and supporting programmes, services and activities geared towards personal and national development
• Providing guidance in financial management for all educational institutions and affiliated agencies.

Mission Statement To provide strategic leadership and policy direction for quality education for all Jamaicans to maximize their potential, contribute to national development and compete effectively in the global economy. Vision StatementA customer-centred, performance-oriented education system producing globally competitive, socially conscious Jamaican citizens. The National Shared VisionEach learner will maximize his/her potential in an enriching learner-centred education environment with maximum use of learning technologies supported by committed qualified competent effective and professional educators and staff. The education system will equitable and accessible with full attendance to Grade 11.Accountability, transparency and performance are the hallmarks of a system that is excellent, self-sustaining, resourced and welcomes full stakeholder participation.Every Child Can Learn…Every Child Must Learn.

HISTORY OF THE MoE (TIMELINE)

• Honourable Karl Samuda assumed responsibility for the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information

 

• Honourable Alando Terrelonge was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information

 

2020

• Honourable Fayval Williams was appointed Minister of Education, Youth & Information in September

 

• Honourable Robert Nesta Morgan was appointed as State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information in September

 

2021

• Mrs. Maureen Dwyer, Chief Inspector of the National Education Inspectorate assumes duties as Acting Permanent Secretary on October 14

 

2022

Honourable Fayval Williams remains as Minister of Education and Youth following the changes made to the Cabinet in January

2023

• Honourable Marsha Smith was appointed as State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth

 

THE FIRST MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Jehoida Augustus McPherson, MP, MHR is remembered as the first Minister of Education and the First Minister of Labour. He was born in Bellevue, Westmoreland, January 18, 1900, to Eleazer McPherson, cultivator, and his wife, Matilda. McPherson was educated at Kentucky Elementary School, Westmoreland and Mico College. On June 1, 1934, he married Beryl Maud Clarke, the daughter of Richard Clarke, a schoolmaster.McPherson entered the House of Representatives for Western St. Thomas in 1944 when he defeated Senator Randolph Burke in the first general election held under adult suffrage in December 1944. He was appointed Jamaica’s first Minister of Education (1945) when he became one of the first five elected members (comprising the nation’s first Ministers in embryo) appointed to the Executive Council – as established by the new constitution.He also served as Member of the Executive Council (Education) 1945-1949, Advisory Board Jamaica School of Agriculture, School Board St. Thomas 1945-1946, Jamaica Schools’ Commission 1945-1946, House Committee on Agriculture  1944, Jamaica Union of Teachers, Secretary of the Morant Bay Teachers’ Association and Secretary, Seaforth Branch Jamaica Agriculture Society,  and Headmaster of several schools including Unity School, Westmoreland; Mount Vernon School, St. Thomas and Seaforth School, St. Thomas. He died in Princess Margaret Hospital, Morant Bay in 1963 at the age of 63.

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

The structure of education in Jamaican has gone through several stages of development over the years. The former education system was established in an agrarian society, intended to maintain and reinforce a social structure characterised by a small white elite and a largely black labouring class, however, it has now evolved into an Industrial and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Age. This has contributed to shaping a system which is dynamic in nature, preparing students who are literate and numerate, realize and explore their full potential, whilst responding to national and global demands.The Education Act of 1965 further regulated the system “….to meet the needs for greater self-financing capability, a better definition of Jamaica’s educational goals and the expansion of the system to meet both individual and national needs” Thus, four educational levels were defined: Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.  Further development in the system saw it evolving not only in terms of its structure but also in terms of its management and performance.

Early Childhood Level

Early Childhood Education is offered in public and private institutions to children between the ages of 3-5 years of age.  In the public sector, Early Childhood education is provided in Infant Schools and Infant departments of some Primary level schools. Nursery and Kindergarten departments of Independent Preparatory (private primary) schools also accept students at age 3.  Independent/Private schools are largely confined to the main urban centres. In addition, there are a number of community-operated Basic schools. These cater to the largest number of students at the Early Childhood level. Basic schools that meet certain minimum requirements are eligible for government subsidies and are called Recognised Basic Schools. Students at the Early Childhood level sit the Grade One Individual Learning Profile (GOILP) to ascertain their capabilities and mastery of the skills and concepts taught at the Early Childhood level so that strategies can be developed to advance their learning.The Early Childhood Commission, an agency of the MoE, is now solely responsible for the regulation and supervision of Basic Schools and the training of Early Childhood practitioners.

Primary Level

Primary education is offered in Grades 1-6 of Primary, Primary and Junior High, and All-Age schools. It is also offered in Grades 1-6 of Preparatory schools. Students are admitted to Primary level educational institutions at age 6. Primary schools are therefore designated feeder schools to all High schools.  At the end of Grade 6 students in Primary level schools may sit the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), in order to gain admission to high schools.The GSAT replaced the Common Entrance Examination in 1999. It is the assessment instrument that is used by the Ministry of Education to place students in Grade Seven of High Schools. The test is administered annually during March. The GSAT is a part of the National Assessment Programme, which assesses the performance of students at the Primary level. Other components of this National Assessment Programme are the Grade One Individual Learning Profile, the Grade Three Diagnostic Test, and the Grade Four Literacy Test. Based on the grades students gain in the test, they are placed into High schools or the Secondary department of All Age and Primary and Junior High Schools. At the All-Age and Junior High Schools, they can continue to Grades 7, 8 or 9, where they are allowed to sit the Technical Entrance Examination (in grade 8) for entry to Technical schools, and the Grade Nine Achievement Test (in Grade 9) to other types of High schools. These will give students another opportunity to gain entrance into the High school they desire to attend.

Secondary Level

The Secondary or High school system consists of two cycles.  The first cycle commences in Grades 7-9 of All-Age, Primary and Junior High schools, and High schools, including Technical High and Independent/Private High schools.The second cycle is provided in Grades 10 and 11 of these schools (with the exception of All Age and Primary and Junior High schools) and in the Agricultural, Technical and Vocational schools. At the end of Grade 11 students sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, administered by the Caribbean Examinations Councils (CXC). Some High schools have a continuing education programme, provided under the Career Advancement Programme and the Sixth Form/Pre-university programme (Grades 12 and 13) where students are prepared for entry to tertiary institutions. Students who are in Sixth Form sit the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) at the end of Grades 12 and 13.

Tertiary Level

Tertiary education is offered in a variety of public and private institutions differing in history, mission, philosophy, and to a lesser extent, in programmes and structure. These institutions possess varying degrees of autonomy. These institutions may be further divided into those which are founded and established in Jamaica, and those that are offshore institutions. The offshore institutions’ main campuses are located outside of Jamaica, but they offer programmes through their campuses and departments located in Jamaica. All tertiary institutions were established in response to educational needs at different times and offer not only degrees but certificates and diplomas. The main accreditation body for tertiary institutions and their programmes is the University Council of Jamaica.

STRUCTURE (MoE Organisational Chart)

The Ministry of Education executes the Government’s mandate of ensuring a system that secures quality education and training for all persons in Jamaica in order to optimize individual and national development.  As such, the Ministry of Education is the driving force for change, growth, and development in education, providing the legislative framework, policies, strategies, plans, and resources to enable institutions, agencies and other bodies to achieve their agreed mandates.The Ministry is guided by the:-

Philosophy ‘Every Child Can Learn, Every Child Must Learn’,

The Vision,  ‘A customer- centred, performance-oriented education system producing globally competitive, socially conscious Jamaican citizens’ and a

Mission ‘to provide strategic leadership and policy direction for quality education for all Jamaicans to maximize their potential, contribute to national development and compete effectively in the global economy’, as it pursues its developmental goals for the nation. The Ministry is headed by the Honourable Minister of Education who has the ultimate policy responsibility and authority for the development of education for the Jamaican citizens. Assisting and reporting directly to the Minister is the Permanent Secretary who is the accountable officer, with responsibility for the daily operations of the Ministry in carrying out its mandate. The Permanent Secretary is supported by a Chief Education Officer (CEO) and several Divisional Heads. The Organisational Chart below outlines the structure of the Ministry of Education.

THE EXECUTIVE The Ministry of Education’s Executive consists of:

• The Honourable Fayval Williams, MP – Minister of Education & Youth
• Mrs. Maureen Dwyer, BH, (M), JP – Permanent Secretary (Acting)
• Dr. Kasan Troupe, JP – Chief Education Officer (Acting)