JIS: Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, says that school boards will be allocated $5 million per annum for minor repairs and maintenance of school plants.

 

He made the disclosure at an education stakeholder forum held on Friday (June 7) at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester.

 

“The larger projects will be done centrally,” he said.

 

Minister Samuda noted further that a directive has been given to building officers to consult with the school leadership before they carry out work.

 

He said that the Ministry has received complaints that school administrators are often not included in decisions regarding repair and upgrading of institutions.

 

“That is now finished. You must consult with the people who have to contend with the problem every day, take advice, and get through the job with the satisfaction of the stakeholders,” Minister Samuda said.

 

He commended the teachers for their commitment to the classroom and helping students realise their full potential.

 

He said that no child should be regarded as not having the capacity to excel in any area.

 

Meanwhile, the Minister said that increased focus is being placed on boosting student achievement in mathematics and the sciences.

 

He noted that Jamaican students must be on top of the subject areas in order to compete globally, and better enable the country to attract investment.

 

Minister Samuda said that part of the effort includes identifying and working with students who show strength in mathematics and the sciences.

 

“We must be careful that we don’t run the risk of depriving potentially brilliant students from actualising their true potential,” he said.

 

CAPTION: Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, addresses an education stakeholder forum held on Friday (June 7), at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester.

JIS: Students and staff of Fundaciones (El Centro) got a welcome treat on Thursday morning (June 6), when Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness stopped at the institution’s Hillcrest Avenue location in St. Andrew.

 

Mr. Holness visited the early childhood division, where he observed the delivery of instruction in English and Spanish at that level.

 

He played chess with the students, toured the school’s herb and vegetable garden, and read to the children from the book ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle.

Director, Fundaciones, Rachael McDonald, said the students and staff members were happy for the visit from the Prime Minister.

 

“Our children were very excited to show him some of what they are learning, some of what they have been doing, and, of course, to share whatever they want to share with him. We are also very thankful to have been able to speak a little bit about Spanish as a foreign language with him and have good dialogue about his views on this,” Ms. McDonald said.

 

With centres in Kingston and Montego Bay, Fundaciones delivers programmes and activities for children from 18 months to 18 years.

 

“Fundaciones is literally Spanish for foundations, and what we are giving kids at every level, in every programme, are the fundamentals that they need to learn in order to survive,” Ms. McDonald told JIS News. 

 

The staff members also shared their teaching techniques with the Prime Minister, which incorporate the use of both English and Spanish languages in the classroom, and illustrated what other schools can do to model their example.

 

CAPTION ONE: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, listens as Fundaciones student, Makena Wilmot (right), reads the rules for the ‘Don’t Pullute the Water’ game designed by the students. Occasion was the Prime Minister’s visit to the institution on Hillcreast Avenue, St. Andrew, on Thursday (June 6).

CAPTION TWO: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second right), engages with students at Fundaciones, before playing a game of chess with them. The Prime Minister visited the school on Hillcreast Avenue, St. Andrew, on Thursday (June 6).

 

JIS: The National College for Education Leadership (NCEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for development of digital content to support online leadership training aimed at creating more child-friendly schools.

 

The content, which will be implemented in at least 10 schools initially by year end, will be crafted in collaboration with the Curriculum and Support Services Unit and the Media Services Unit in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture.

 

Under the $6-million agreement, which was signed at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle headquarters in Kingston on June 4, the course material content will be made available to school leaders free of cost.

 

It is in support of a drive by the NCEL to strengthen school leadership and management for the creation of more child-friendly spaces.

 

These are institutions that promote inclusive access and equal rights of every child; provide healthy, clean, secure and enabling environments; and produce literate, confident and critical thinkers who are more aware of healthy lifestyle choices and more resilient in the face of emergencies.

 

Director/Principal of the NCEL, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, said the signing solidifies the entity’s commitment to ensuring that schools provide stimulating learning environments and are safe places where children are nurtured and feel a sense of belonging.

 

She said that the digital content will promote inclusion, facilitate high standards of learning and enhance the quality of instructional delivery.

 

Country Representative, UNICF, Mariko Kagoshima, in her remarks at the signing, noted that the partnership with the NCEL will better equip school leaders to prepare every child with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

 

She said that the training is timely, in light of the Chief Inspector’s 2015 Baseline Study, which found that in close to 50 per cent of schools inspected, the teaching methodology used was unsatisfactory or in need of immediate intervention.

 

She said that the study further revealed that while 12 per cent of schools enjoy high and good leadership, 38 per cent did not attain the minimum acceptable standards of leadership.

 

A further three per cent were recorded as “seriously lagging behind” in this area and rated as schools in need of immediate support.

 

Kagoshima said that the readings and video material provided will strengthen the quality of instructional methodology, facilitate wide geographical reach, promote inclusion, and encourage high standards of learning.

 

Chief Education Officer, Winnie Berry, for her part, said the partnership is a significant step towards creating and fostering a creative and inclusive approach to education.

 

“This agreement is a milestone in our ongoing improvement in educational offerings,” she added.

 

CAPTION: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean (seated right), and Country Representative, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mariko Kagoshima (seated left), affix their signatures to a memorandum of understanding formalising the partnership between the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) and UNICEF for development of digital content to support online leadership training. The signing took place at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle headquarters in Kingston on June 4. Observing (standing from left) are Deputy Representative, UNICEF, Vicente Teran; Education Specialist, UNICEF, Dr. Rebecca Tortello; Chief Education Officer, Winnie Berry; and Director/Principal, NCEL, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton.

JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be engaging 230 primary schools in September as it prepares for full roll-out of the Primary Specialist Programme in 2022.

 

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on Wednesday (June 5), Chair of the Primary Specialist Teacher Model Oversight Committee, Dr. Tamika Benjamin, said that the programme will be implemented in three phases beginning with the preliminary phase this year.

 

The initial 230 schools will be prepared for transition to the use of the model through sensitisation sessions, administration of the redeployment toolkits and the training of principals and teachers.

 

Following the year of preparation, the model will be implemented in terms of curriculum delivery in 2020.

 

An additional 230 schools will begin their transition at that time, and in 2021, the final 230 schools will start their preliminary year for full roll-out across the system the following year.

 

The Primary Specialist Programme is aimed at improving curriculum delivery at the primary level of the education system.

 

Dr. Benjamin told JIS News that the new initiative will move away from the current model of having “generalist” teachers in the classroom to having more specialist educators.

 

She explained that in the generalist approach, a teacher is responsible for imparting all the subjects that are included in the curriculum. However, the specialist teacher will deliver fewer subjects and will, therefore, have to be trained in designated subject areas.

 

Dr. Benjamin, who is the National Mathematics Coordinator, said that the process of exploring the specialist model began in 2014, after a delegation from the Ministry visited Singapore and observed the approach being used.

 

She noted that initially, the Ministry considered the model as part of its strategy to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and language/literacy, however, after consultations with principals and teachers, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) and teacher-training institutions, the specialist approach was broadened to include the teaching and learning of science and social studies. In 2016, the model was approved and in September 2017, it was piloted at a cost of $50 million in 39 public and private primary schools across the island. There was full roll-out in these schools in 2018.

 

Dr. Benjamin told JIS News that support for the pilot was provided by the Specialist Teacher Model Oversight Committee, which is made up of internal and external stakeholders.

 

Monitoring and assessment of the pilot was guided by a plan developed by the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.

 

Dr. Benjamin said implementation of the specialist model is being informed by data gathered from the pilot.

 

CAPTION: National Mathematics Coordinator, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, and Chair for the Primary Specialist Teacher Model Oversight Committee, Dr. Tamika Benjamin, addresses a JIS Think Tank on June 5.

GLEANER: The National College for Education Leadership (NCEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) valued at close to $6 million for the development of digital content to support an online programme in line with the agency’s thrust to create more child-friendly schools.

 

The programme, which is scheduled to roll out in October, will be delivered through NCEL’s learning management system and the Ministry of Education’s other online channels.

 

NCEL Director and Principal Dr Taneisha Ingleton said that although there is documentation on creating child-friendly schools, there were no visuals to show how these concepts could be put into practice.

 

“What we do not have is actual digital content. So let us say that a principal wants to see what that looks like. What do I do as a principal to ensure that my school is operating in this paradigm? When you have digital content and you have a course that is online where you have readily available media, you can just go on, download and look at what it is you need to do and model that approach. That is what we don’t have,” Ingleton said.

 

Speaking to The Gleaner after the signing of the agreement at the offices of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information in Kingston, the NCEL director and principal said that at least 10 schools will be funded under the project with plans for others to follow suit.

 

“We are working with UNICEF for this 10, and then we will see what the success looks like, because since it is digital content, everyone will be able to see this and then we will look [at] which other schools we would want to include on a formal basis … . So we are funding this 10 as a model for individuals to see,” Ingleton said.

 

Country representative for UNICEF, Mariko Kagoshima, said that after a 2015 study found that the teaching methodology used in 50 per cent of schools inspected to be unsatisfactory or in need of immediate intervention, the programme became necessary.

 

She said the programme will be developed “using best practices and solid research to develop an online leadership training course on crafting inclusive, gender-balanced, interactive, child-friendly learning environments to produce, intellectual, critical thinkers, who [make] healthy lifestyle choices and are more resilient in the face of emergencies”.

 

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JIS: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, is calling on parents to make sure their children eat healthy foods.

 

Mr. Terrelonge pointed out that there are certain foods that must be avoided at all cost, because they are “killing our children slowly”,

 

Addressing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between the Ministry and Nestlé Jamaica Limited for extension of the company’s health and wellness programme in schools, at the Gregory Park Primary School in St. Catherine on May 30, he noted that sodas and some baked products “are bad for you, and have no nutrients at all”.

 

The State Minister emphasised that children must get the best education, and unhealthy foods affect their growth.

 

“If we want our children to get the best education, to live best lives, we have to focus on their health,” he said, adding that many young children are suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, due partly to unhealthy consumption.

 

The agreement with Nestlé seeks to promote nutrition, health and wellness among school-aged children, and to encourage employability skills among young adults.

 

The MOU will be executed through two main programmes – Nestlé for Healthier Kids, and the Nestlé Youth Employment Initiative.

 

Under the programme, which now incorporates 15 schools and is expected to have 15,000 students participating by the end of the year, children will benefit from Wellness and Wheels class visits and International Chef Days; there will be Nutrition Education Training for Teachers, and the establishment of school gardens.

 

Meanwhile, Principal of the Gregory Park Primary School, Richard Williams, said he is pleased that the students will be exposed to “appropriate” information and techniques to guide them in making the right choices.

 

“We believe that our duty is to create an enabling environment for the overall development of our children, ensuring that they practise wholesome living and healthy lifestyles,” the Principal said.

 

For his part, Managing Director of Nestlé Jamaica, Daniel Caron, said the programme is about enhancing the quality of life for families and individuals, and to showcase the importance of healthy diets and healthy choices.

 

“A healthy mind comes from a healthy body, and we are making a difference. This is part of our giving back, being responsible in our communities,” Mr. Caron said.

 

CAPTION: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (left), interacts with students at the Gregory Park Primary School in St. Catherine, during yesterday’s (May 30) signing of an expanded memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ministry and Nestlé Jamaica Limited, to extend the company’s health and wellness programme in schools. Also sharing the moment at right is Principal of the school, Richard Williams.

JIS: The draft Special Education Policy, which seeks to provide access and equity in education for all students with special needs, has been submitted for Cabinet approval.

 

Education Officer, Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Christina Addington, said the policy acknowledges education as a fundamental right of every child.

 

“According to the [2011] Charter of Rights, which we relied on to develop this policy, every child is entitled to publicly funded tuition in a public education institution at the primary level. The policy stipulates that children identified as having a special learning need shall be provided with appropriate special education in the least restrictive environment,” she noted.

 

Mrs. Addington said the policy is focused on the promotion of inclusive education, but acknowledges that some children may be best served in specialised facilities.

 

She noted, for example, that the School for the Deaf provides the best environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

 

“That is because that is where the personnel is, that is where the accommodations are to be granted, modification of curriculum, and that is where the student will have all he or she may need to develop at their optimal potential,” she pointed out.

 

Mrs. Addington was speaking at the ‘Reach to Teach’ forum on Deaf Education at the Mona School of Business and Management (North), University of the West Indies (UWI), on Thursday (May 30).

 

The session, hosted by the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) in collaboration with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), brought together key stakeholders from the education and health sectors, business and civil society, to develop strategies for the inclusion of deaf children.

 

Discussions focused on access to primary and tertiary education, as well as vocational training opportunities. Also addressed were gaps in the education and health sectors as well as the social system.

 

Speaking with JIS News, Executive Director, CCCD, Tashi Widmer, highlighted the need for more early detection and intervention services for persons with hearing impairment.

 

“We need audiology services in Jamaica to help to identify children who are deaf or hard of hearing and place them in the correct schools. Right now, Jamaica only has one audiologist for the entire island. This impacts their enrolment in school. We are trying to address that, and we want to see more deaf and hard-of-hearing children having access to quality education,” she said.

 

CAPTION: From left: Jamaican Sign Language Interpreter, Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), Hughen Spencer; Professor, Speech, Pathology and Audiology, Calvin College, United States of America, Dr. Brian Kreisman; Education Officer, Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Christina Addington (centre); and Ministry of Health and Wellness official, Dr. Richard Musaazi, pay keen attention to Executive Director, Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD), Tashi Widmer, who is communicating using sign language. The occasion was the ‘Reach to Teach’ forum on Deaf Education on Thursday (May 30), at the Mona School of Business and Management (North), University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Andrew.

JIS: The draft Special Education Policy, which seeks to provide access and equity in education for all students with special needs, has been submitted for Cabinet approval.

 

Education Officer, Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Christina Addington, said the policy acknowledges education as a fundamental right of every child.

 

“According to the [2011] Charter of Rights, which we relied on to develop this policy, every child is entitled to publicly funded tuition in a public education institution at the primary level. The policy stipulates that children identified as having a special learning need shall be provided with appropriate special education in the least restrictive environment,” she noted.

 

Mrs. Addington said the policy is focused on the promotion of inclusive education, but acknowledges that some children may be best served in specialised facilities.

 

She noted, for example, that the School for the Deaf provides the best environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

 

“That is because that is where the personnel is, that is where the accommodations are to be granted, modification of curriculum, and that is where the student will have all he or she may need to develop at their optimal potential,” she pointed out.

 

Mrs. Addington was speaking at the ‘Reach to Teach’ forum on Deaf Education at the Mona School of Business and Management (North), University of the West Indies (UWI), on Thursday (May 30).

 

The session, hosted by the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) in collaboration with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), brought together key stakeholders from the education and health sectors, business and civil society, to develop strategies for the inclusion of deaf children.

 

Discussions focused on access to primary and tertiary education, as well as vocational training opportunities. Also addressed were gaps in the education and health sectors as well as the social system.

 

Speaking with JIS News, Executive Director, CCCD, Tashi Widmer, highlighted the need for more early detection and intervention services for persons with hearing impairment.

 

“We need audiology services in Jamaica to help to identify children who are deaf or hard of hearing and place them in the correct schools. Right now, Jamaica only has one audiologist for the entire island. This impacts their enrolment in school. We are trying to address that, and we want to see more deaf and hard-of-hearing children having access to quality education,” she said.

 

CAPTION: From left: Jamaican Sign Language Interpreter, Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), Hughen Spencer; Professor, Speech, Pathology and Audiology, Calvin College, United States of America, Dr. Brian Kreisman; Education Officer, Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Christina Addington (centre); and Ministry of Health and Wellness official, Dr. Richard Musaazi, pay keen attention to Executive Director, Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD), Tashi Widmer, who is communicating using sign language. The occasion was the ‘Reach to Teach’ forum on Deaf Education on Thursday (May 30), at the Mona School of Business and Management (North), University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Andrew.