Latest News

» Media » Latest News

Category: Uncategorized

Plans Progressing Well for Implementation of APSE

Posted on by Moey Admin

Plans are progressing well for the implementation of the Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education (APSE) in September 2016, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is reporting.

Deputy Chief Education Officer for Curriculum and Support Services in the Ministry, Lena Buckle Scott, said there is now a National Standard Curriculum (NSC), replete with three pathways to education at the secondary level.

Addressing a JIS ‘Think Tank’, on April 6, she pointed out that the Ministry has taken a decision to provide for students at the secondary level, by meeting them exactly where they are, so the students can maximise their potential.

Mrs. Buckle Scott said the Ministry has been developing the NSC over the past four years and the draft is now in place, which is made up of a framework and teachers’ guides for the different disciplines.

She explained that the curriculum is learner centred; therefore it will cater to the needs of all the different learners.

Mrs. Buckle Scott pointed out that when students exit at Grade six, the examination will lead them to the three pathways. Pathway one will facilitate students who can access the secondary school curriculum with little or no support; Pathway two will be for those students who need more support, while Pathway three is for students who require much support for them to adequately access secondary education.

Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Grace McLean, said the APSE will see a full alignment of the education system from the primary level, which has the National Assessment Programme (NAP), to the secondary level, after which there will be the Career Advancement Programme (CAP).

The CAP will provide for students, two additional years for them to be able to develop the competencies and skills they may not have attained at the end of Grade 11.

Dr. McLean said the two additional years of schooling will only be applicable to those students who need this additional support.

The programme will be rolled out on a phased basis and students will be selected based on academic performance.

Dr. McLean noted that 14 schools have already been selected for the APSE and it is expected that approximately 10,000 students will be required to matriculate into the programme.

She explained that the aim of the programme is to cater specifically to the needs of those students who will be required to obtain additional subjects and additional competencies and skills to move into the world of work.

The APSE is to be institutionalised in all 167 high schools in Jamaica, but the roll- out in September will target schools that need the programme the most.

 

 

 

US Ambassador Calls On Minister of Education

Posted on by Moey Admin

United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno paid a courtesy call on Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Ruel Reid, and State Minister, Hon Floyd Green at their National Heroes Circle offices in Kingston on Monday (April 4, 2016). The discussions featured bilateral relations between Jamaica and the United States in student exchange programmes, combatting human trafficking, Intellectual Property Rights related to television programming, lotto scamming and bullying in schools.

Minister Reid commended the US for its continued support of the education sector. Ambassador  Moreno noted that the Ministry had an important role to play in influencing Jamaica’s future.

 

Singapore Math Resources Available to Local Teachers

Posted on by Moey Admin

Many primary schools in Jamaica are adapting and implementing an approach to teaching elementary mathematics that is common practice in Singapore.

 Singapore Math, which refers to the teaching methods or the actual curriculum used for kindergarten through sixth grade in the small island country, has become popular due to Singapore’s consistent top ranking on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

 In the TIMSS report in 2007, Singapore was ranked in the top three in fourth- and eighth-grade math scores, while the United States ranked ninth and eleventh, respectively.

 Supporters of Singapore Math credit the Singaporean methods of instruction and curriculum for its students’ success. Students in the same classroom may learn the concepts at different paces, but ultimately they all learn them and help develop their own solid foundation for further math learning. This prevents the need for re-teaching as students move to the next grade.

 According to Dr Tamika Benjamin, National Mathematics Coordinator at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MOEYI), Singapore Math focuses on children not just learning but also truly mastering a limited number of concepts each school year. The goal is for children to perform well because they understand the material on a deeper level and they are not just learning it for the test.

 “In Singapore there are systematically good mathematics practices. Maybe it is embedded in their culture but they utilize their methods consistently while providing training and the necessary resources for its advancement. Everyone speaks the same language so it is easier to transmit the information,” Benjamin said.

 Since the 1980s, schools in Singapore have taken an innovative approach to teaching elementary math utilizing a curriculum that focuses on problem solving with pictures and diagrams.

 Singapore Math uses the Concrete- Pictorial – Abstract approach in which students are provided with the necessary learning experiences beginning with the concrete and pictorial stages, followed by the abstract stage to enable them to learn mathematics meaningfully. This approach encourages active thinking process, communication of mathematical ideas and problem solving.

 Liu Yeuh Mei, an experienced mathematics educator, who has served for almost 15 years with the Ministry of Education in Singapore has worked closely with the pioneers and developers of the Singapore Mathematics Framework and currently trains teachers around the world in Singapore mathematics methodology.

 During the recently concluded Mathematics Forum, held by the Education Ministry in conjunction with the Book Merchant, distributors of Scholastic -Prime Mathematics in Jamaica, Liu Yeuh Mei stated that the Singapore Mathematics Framework developed in these books presents a visually powerful approach to problem solving. This involves the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, ratio and percentage to mathematics teachers and educators.

 “The favorable response from the numeracy coaches and interest in this method has led us to share this method, with the hope that teachers have the opportunity to learn and help their students achieve greater success and interest in mathematics,” Liu Yeuh Mei said.

 “In addition to developing problem-solving competencies teachers will see that the appropriate use of this approach that will help their students develop multiplicative thinking and proportional reasoning skills. It strives to develop teachers’ knowledge and skills in these concepts and consequently help their students to learn better,” she added.

 According to Dr. Benjamin about 115 of the just over 700 primary schools registered with the MOEYI have begun to use these books that have been included on the Education Ministry’s supplemental book list.

 “These books are focused on concept and problem-solving skills. The procedures and steps make sure the children understand the concept first and then take the steps to ensure the problem is understood and then solved. In Jamaica we do the reverse, the problem is solved and the students do not understand the concept,” Benjamin stated.

 “We are slowly and surely getting there. We have invested a lot of resources in providing training and implementing strategies in the classroom that will eventually lead to sustained changes,” Benjamin added.

 Stewart Dawkins, Sales Executive at The Book Merchant said for many students mathematics is not their strong area and the Singapore Method assists the teachers by giving them step by step concepts and solutions to teach a particular area. The books he said emphasize mental math and the model drawing approach.

 “Students that are actively using Prime Mathematics are overcoming the challenges. They now see the relevance of mathematics in their day-to-day life and no longer have a fear of actually doing the subject,” Dawkins said.

 For grades 1-6, the company sells Prime Mathematics series, with three different components. Each grade level consists of two Course books and two Practice Books, two Teacher Guides , as well as Practice Tests.

 

 

Primary School Principals Welcome TVET Integration

Posted on by Moey Admin

The days when Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was limited to technical high schools and new secondary high schools are over. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is moving to mainstream TVET in the education system to include all schools at the primary level. 

During a recent TVET integration sensitization session for all principals at the primary level held at the Wolmer’s Boys School in Kingston Dr Grace McLean, Chief Education Officer, said 

TVET in Jamaica was faced with challenges today because of the unstructured way in which it was introduced in the education system in the past. 

The TVET Integration Model, developed by Dr McLean, is a practical guide towards the integration of TVET in the education system and will be used as the guiding tool for principals and teachers for a smooth integration process. In her presentation Dr McLean implored the school administrators to utilize the structured step-by-step approach that will guarantee greater levels of educational success

She added that the model will provide a structured and stronger link between education and the development of the workforce which will ultimately strengthen the country’s economic growth and development.  

In implementing the model teachers will demonstrate to pupils different career pathways and ensure that the TVET occupations are distinguished from others, disclosed the Chef Education Officer. In addition, pupils will get the opportunity to experiment and develop an understanding of how basic skills lead to broader and more fundamental skills development. 

Principals, vice principals and other school administrators weighed in on the introduction of the TVET Integration Model at the primary school level. 

Lorraine Bramwell, vice-principal at the Red Hills All-Age School in St Andrew, said the TVET Integration model is a good initiative that, with necessary funding and resources, can be implemented at her school. 

“There are many students that are not academically inclined and find it easier to learn a skill in an area that they are better at.  At the primary level we do not have adequate resources for a TVET focus, however if we get the resources the teachers will embrace it and the students will also appreciate the addition to the curriculum,” Bramwell said. 

Lexford Johnson, Principal at the Norman Gardens Primary School in Kingston, believes the TVET model is relevant because it is an important requirement for persons to be skilled for the modern workforce. 

“We have tried it at our school through the ASTEP programme and found it to be successful. We could not continue with it because of financial resources so we are hoping with this introduction that we will be afforded the requisite resources to the development of the students,” Johnson said. 

 

 

 

Education Minister Praises Diaspora for Supporting Education

Posted on by Moey Admin

 Senator Ruel Reid, Minister of Education, Youth and Information has commended the Jamaican Diaspora for its contribution towards the development of the local education sector locally. Minister Reid said that he was pleased that the Jamaican Diaspora Education Task Force (JDEFT) had seen it fit to include Early Childhood and Special Education as areas for attention under its six-year Action Plan. He was speaking recently (March 23) at the Jamaican Diaspora 2nd Biennial Advancement in Education Summit 2016 at Jamaica College in Kingston, Jamaica.

In the photograph Minister Reid (right) converses with conference participants following the opening ceremony. From left are Leo Gillings, chairman JDEFT; Norman Allen, president Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA); Byron Farquharson, Secretary General JTA; Dr Ashburn Pinnock, President Mico University College; and Professor Neville Ying, Head Jamaican Diaspora Foundation.

 

Representatives of the Jamaican Diaspora Education Task Force recently made a courtesy call on newly appointed Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid. From left are Dr Hansel Fletcher of Loma Linda University School of Medicinein the USA; Karlene Largie and Lesleyan Samuel of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Association (USA Inc.); Minister Reid ; and Douglas F. Havens of Loma Linda University. 

 

Gov’t Launches Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education

Posted on by Moey Admin

The Government has launched the Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education (APSE), which will provide students with additional and improved teaching programmes.

Under APSE, instruction will be based on tailored curricula, enabling each learner to perform to his/her fullest potential, based on aptitude, interest and ability.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, said the new programme will re-position secondary education as inclusive, customized, diverse, relevant, equitable and outcomes based.

He was delivering the keynote address at the official launch, on March 23, at the regional headquarters of the University of the West Indies, at Mona.

“This new approach will allow us to institute programmes to ensure that every student is given the best opportunity to learn and succeed,” he told the gathering, adding that under the programme, talents of students will be unearthed and channelled into directions to maximize their potential.

Students at the secondary level will be placed on a path to complete at least seven years at schools, or up to age 18. It will allow for them to identify their careers at an early stage, and progress through the system.

At grades 12 and 13, students will have the opportunity, through the Career Advancement Programme, to move into the traditional sixth form programme, or a technical sixth form programme, which will also include opportunities under the National Apprenticeship Programme.

The Minister said the programme has been successful in many countries, including Singapore, and described it as a “seamless system” that will see all people transitioning into meaningful pursuits.

Emphasising that no child should be left behind in the attainment of education, the Minister said every student “must be given every chance to succeed, and that means identifying that thing, or those things for which that student is best suited and most talented.”  __JIS

Minister Green Congratulates Shamoy Hajare on Winning Commonwealth Youth Award

Posted on by Moey Admin

MINISTER OF STATE in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green has congratulated Shamoy Hajare on her selection as Commonwealth Caribbean/Americas Young Person of the Year 2016.  

Ms Hajare, who hails from St. Elizabeth and is founder of the Jamaica School for Social Entrepreneurship (JSSE), was announced as regional winner at the 2016 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work in London on March 17.  One of JSSE’s mandates is to assist youth-led organisations to transform projects into programmes through the adoption of a social enterprise model. 

Minister Green said Ms. Hajare has made all of Jamaica proud and has continued the distinguished record of Jamaica’s youth as world leaders. He noted that she is a shining example for young people here in Jamaica and the region and that her work on social entrepreneurship should be emulated. Minister Green added that the administration will be placing significant emphasis on social entrepreneurship and engaging Jamaica’s youth in productive activity as a major plank in driving our country towards prosperity. 

The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work aims to highlight the valuable contribution that Commonwealth young persons are making to the achievement of the development goals on the local, national, regional and global stage. The awards specifically recognise the efforts of people between 15-29 years of age and attracted over 300 nominations from countries across the Commonwealth.

Through the JSSE, Ms Hajare has implemented programmes such as Building Resilient Youth Clubs and Youth Social Entrepreneurship 101. She has carried out initiatives such as the Jamaica Sustainable Development Project, JSSE’s Hydrophonic Programme, Caribbean Youth Speak Up Campaign, the Junction Development Area Rainwater Harvesting project and the Young Changemakers Summer Camp. She is also the co-founder of the Youth Entrepreneurship Project (YEP), which was created to encourage youth entrepreneurship in Mandeville, Jamaica.

 

CXC Students Will Receive Extra Answer Sheets if Needed

Posted on by Moey Admin

 Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid announced on Tuesday (March 23) that students sitting Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) external exams will be provided with extra answer sheets, if they need them.

Speaking at the Jamaica House post-Cabinet press briefing on Tuesday, Minister Reid disclosed that the Education Ministry had “been in touch” with CXC to allay concerns that it would cease to give extra answer sheets to students sitting  the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination.

“We want to assure the public that CXC will be working to ensure that extra paper will be provided, just in case students require the extra paper,” Reid stated. 

 

 

 

Education Minister Gives High Marks to GSAT Administrators

Posted on by Moey Admin

Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid has commended teachers, principals, invigilators and ministry officials for their contribution to the efficient administering of the 2016 sitting of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

 The no-show of four invigilators, due mainly to illness, did not affect the smooth running of the examination on its final day. Stand-by invigilators were used as replacements at the affected centres in Region One (Kingston and St Andrew) and Region Two (St Mary, Portland and St Thomas).

In addition, the Ministry dispatched a Special Needs invigilator, on request, to Hope Valley Experimental School in St Andrew.

During the two-day examination six unregistered students arrived and were allowed to write their papers.

A total of 39 129 students were registered to sit the examination. They wrote the Mathematics and Social Studies papers on Thursday, and Language Arts, Communications Tasks and Science were on Friday.

Special Accommodations were made for 394 students with special needs. Of these 26 were large print for children with visual problems, prompter, preferential seating, extra time, scribe, readers and writers to name a few.

 

On the first day of the examination Senator Reid visited Mona Heights Primary School in St Andrew before the start of the proceedings to encourage students to do their best in the examination.