The Grade 7 Academy, which has been operational at Holy Trinity High School in Kingston since September, is already reporting progress in student performance.

The programme, spearheaded by St. Michael’s College in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, offers an adjusted curriculum focused on remedial reading, writing and numeracy.

Student *Anthony Brown, who is enrolled in the Academy, scored 37 per cent in decoding and 22 per cent in comprehension on his first Reading Progress Indicator (RPI) at the start of the 2024/25 academic year.

After engaging with the curriculum for four months, *Anthony’s performance on the RPI moved to 45 per cent for decoding and 38 per cent in comprehension.

On the Informal Diagnostic Reading Inventory (IDRI), he scored as a primer in September and by December, he was at the grade two level.

Another student *Joel Black, scored 27 per cent in comprehension and zero per cent in decoding, on his first RPI and below pre-primer on the IDRI. By December, *Joel’s score on the RPI improved and he was at the grade one level on the IDRI.

An assessment of the cohort’s reading levels in December found that over 52 per cent of students have improved by at least half of a grade level.

Another 11 per cent showed improvement between 0.6 and 1.5 grade levels and a further 12 per cent improving over 1.5 grade levels and above.

There were also encouraging results in mathematics.

Instructional Leader, Dr. Faith Alexander, shared that the original mathematics diagnostic test in September 2024 was set at the grade-six level, but none of the students were able to engage with the assessment as they could not read the word problems or comprehend what was being asked of them.

“We had to then reassess with a fourth-grade instrument. Of the 170 students, 143 completed the math diagnostic test. Sixty-eight students scored between zero and 23; 45 students scored between 24 and 29; 28 students scored between 30 and 38; and only two students scored between 39 and 60,” she said of the assessment which was graded out of 100.

She noted that 78 per cent of students fell in the critical non-mastery category at the time.

“We are now seeing that the non-mastery category has been significantly reduced with now only 30 per cent of the students falling in that category,” Dr. Alexander said.

“While these are very early results, we are extremely pleased and excited but cautiously optimistic that our students will continue to improve in both their literacy and numeracy skills over the period of this intervention,” she shared.

The students’ progress is attributed to smaller class sizes with no more than 20 students and the use of technology, among other things.

“We have, with the Ministry’s permission, scaled back the curriculum. Students have two blocks of 90-minutes each of uninterrupted language arts and math. They also have an additional 40 minutes daily on the software Fast ForWord for language arts and ClearMath for mathematics,” Dr. Alexander said.

The objective of the Grade 7 Academy is to ensure that, by the end of the school year, a minimum 70 per cent of students are brought up to at least grade-six literacy and numeracy standards, attaining the proficiency required to engage with the traditional high-school curriculum in their second year.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is applauding ZED Jamaica Technologies and its partners for their unwavering commitment and support to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the country.

“Your dedication has been pivotal in shaping a generation of thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers. As we work towards a more agile and impactful education system, STEM remains a focus of vision,” said Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, in a speech delivered at the second annual ZED Jamaica Technologies conference, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on January 7.

Dr. Morris Dixon’s speech was read by Deputy Chief Education Officer, Core Curriculum and Support Services, Winnie Berry.

“Guided by our Prime Minister’s declaration of Jamaica as a STEM island, we are creating learning environments that nurture proficiency in STEM disciplines and inspire innovation to drive economic growth,” the Minister said.

She noted that ZED Jamaica Technologies has proven to be an invaluable ally in the mission and congratulated them on their 21 years in operation.

“You supported the robotics agenda by hosting the inaugural ZED Technologies conference and a summer robotics camp that inspired countless students, even amidst the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl. Your unwavering dedication has left a lasting impact on students and teachers, providing a strong foundation in STEM education,” the Minister said.

She pointed out that robotics and STEM education are no longer concepts of tomorrow, noting that they are the tools shaping the present, driving creativity, and unlocking boundless opportunities for students and teachers.

The Minister said that the Ministry has taken two approaches in ensuring Jamaica becomes a STEM island.

“We have our content, our STEM subjects, but also we utilise STEM methodology, problem-solving, critical thinking right across the curriculum,” she added.

Furthermore, she pointed out that the Ministry’s recent STEM in school pilot programmes, conducted in collaboration with partners, have further demonstrated the immense potential of this approach.

“Students are eager to learn, and teachers are embracing new challenges to refine and expand curriculum deployment to ensure sustained success,” the Minister said.

She noted, too, that the Ministry recognises the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing and enhancing learning.

Dr. Morris Dixon argued that the flexibility and willingness of school administrators to adapt to the evolving educational landscape are critical.

“Together we can ensure that our students are not only excelling in robotics but also thriving in any STEM specialisation area they choose to pursue. If we provide the right kind of environment for creativity in our schools and the wider community, we could well see a whole mindset shift and an economy that is booming,” she said.

Chairman, ZED Technologies Jamaica, Carlton Grant, reminded persons that upskilling is essential.

During the conference, approximately 100 students and teachers from schools across the country received certificates through a partnership with ZED Jamaica and Zebra Robotics.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has encouraged students of Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston to explore careers of the future.

“You have to know where the world is going so that you can choose your majors wisely, because you want to be at the cutting edge of future. The future isn’t the traditional jobs that we know about,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon delivered the keynote address during the institution’s prize giving ceremony on Wednesday (December 18), under the theme ‘Channelling Our Franciscan Value: Embracing Change, Leading with Vision’.

She told the students that, “as we move forward into an era shaped by technology, global connectivity and new ideas, you have to embrace it.”

“Everything is changing around us – how we communicate, how we do business, how our environment interacts with us. Change has been the default. The question before all of you, including me, is whether or not you are ready for this change. How are you going to embrace all of this change that is happening?” the Minister posited.

The over 1,000 students who were recognised for their outstanding academic achievements during the ceremony were commended by Senator Morris Dixon, who extended, “congratulations to you for putting in the hard work.”

Meanwhile, the Minister encouraged their parents to nurture the other elements that are crucial to their success, including being good stewards of what God has blessed them with.

She shared her personal story of leaving Jamaica on a Fulbright Scholarship, pointing out that after completing her PhD, she could have chosen to work in any global firm or university, but, instead, returned home.

“I came back to Jamaica because I understood that I had been given something that a lot of others had not been given. Throughout our lives, we always have a responsibility to think [and explore] how am I [going to] pay it forward?” Dr. Morris Dixon stated.

The HEART/NSTA Trust has certified 60 employees of Ripton Infrastructure Limited in the areas of welding, carpentry, plumbing, drywall installation, masonry, tiling, electrical installation and maintenance.

The certification ceremony was held on Saturday (December 14), at a commercial complex located at 45 Hope Road in Kingston.

In her address, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, commended Ripton Infrastructure for the exemplary step it has taken in work force development.

“Today’s certification is a reflection of true corporate responsibility. Partnering with HEART/NSTA Trust to provide [workers] with on-the-job certification and opportunities to formalise their competence, both theoretical and practical, is not just an investment in them as individuals. What you are doing goes far beyond just your company. Your corporate investment is an investment in Jamaica’s economic future and social wellbeing,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon noted that for Jamaica to thrive, its people must have access to the tools, opportunities and skills that allow them to shape their futures.

“I’m hoping that more corporates are going to follow [the example] Ripton Infrastructure,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Morris Dixon urged the employees to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning.

“Look at what HEART has and see if you can continue upskilling yourself. The more pieces of paper and the more skills you have, means the more in demand you will be and the more money you can make,” she pointed out.

For his part, Manager of Ripton Infrastructure Limited, Ricardo Foster, said the company is committed to investing in its human capital.

“I remember vividly being summoned to a meeting by [the Executive Chairman], Ripton Rodgers, and he was very frustrated. He said to me “Ricardo, I’m trying to grow this company, but I can’t grow it without developing the workers,” he recounted.

Mr. Foster noted that one of the benefits of upskilling their company’s employees is to reduce the need to look externally for workers in the construction industry.

“We want our own people to be able to fill any gap, to be able to fill any role in the sector,” he said.

In a brief testimonial, Ripton Infrastructure team member Ramon Smith, expressed gratitude to his employer for the opportunity to become certified.

“This is a very wonderful programme. It gives an opportunity to persons who are capable of executing a certain skill but are not available to attend physical classes or even individuals, who are afraid of the theory, to achieve a certificate. I always wanted to acquire certification to support my career choice,” Mr. Smith said.

He added that he is now motivated to pursue certification at a higher level.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says that the Government is committed to using technology to improve the skill sets of the island’s citizens.

Dr. Morris Dixon was addressing a session on the final day of the TechBeach Retreat, at Secrets Resort in St. James, on Friday (December 6).

“We’re embedding a lot of technology, especially in skills training. So, if you’re looking for skilled workers, we produce them and we’re going to continue producing them at this level, because for us, improving the skills quotient of every individual is important to the development of the country. This is very deliberate. We are very committed to it. We’re not turning back from this,” the Minister said.

“In the area of artificial intelligence (AI), as a Government, we were quite forward thinking and we decided to have an AI Task Force, because we felt we can’t be left behind as a country. Our practice always says, Jamaicans are consumers of technology,” she added.

The AI Task Force’s main function is to conduct research in the area and provide an evidence-based foundation for the development of a National AI Policy.

Dr. Morris Dixon also underscored the importance of the island becoming a producer of technology.

“You can’t become a producer of technology if your schools don’t have tech in there. You can’t become a producer of technology if you don’t have the right equipment in the schools, so we get it, and we must do better,” she said.

In this vein, the Minister pointed out that the Government has been increasing the focus of technology in primary and high schools across the island.

“This is the future that we want to see. So, we’re starting from very young in primary school, introducing technology there and focusing more on technology and focusing on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and critical thinking and problem-solving elements. Then in high schools, layering more and bringing the skills training closer to the high schools,” she informed.

“There must be human capital development. You’re going nowhere without your people, and so we must focus on our people and develop our people. It starts in our schools, and it goes into our tertiary institutions, and it goes into the workplace and the work we do in upskilling and reskilling the workers that are there,” Dr. Morris Dixon argued.

The TechBeach Retreat was held from December 4 to 6 and brought together technology-based entrepreneurs, investors and innovators who shared best practices and information about new and emerging technologies.

Fifty-six high schools are being targeted under a tactical programme being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information to significantly enhance student performance in Mathematics and English language in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, provided details during the recent post Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in St. Andrew.

She said that the 56 institutions chosen were those assessed as “not satisfactory” in the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) reports.

“Those are the ones that have been identified for the interventions, which include helping the teachers to teach new methods. We are also going in and helping the principals, we are supporting the students more, we are having… some of the master teachers assisting them more, so its multifaceted,” she said.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr. Terry Ann Thomas Gayle, noted that the tactical programme in the 56 high schools will involve doing more handholding with the principals, heads of departments, and the students.

She said that among the elements are extended learning and teacher support, accountability, performance tracking and celebrating achievements.

“So, we are looking at extended learning…to a minimum of five hours for mathematics and English language. We’re also looking at students doing extended activities outside of the regular school curriculum delivery [such as] camps, webinars, one on-one sessions with experts in the areas,” she outlined.

Dr. Thomas Gayle said the tactical approach “treats each student at the level where they are. It treats each school at the level at which you get the students and how you move them towards that success that we will reap come the June exam.”

She pointed out that educators are being further trained to support the needs of students.

“We have begun training in professional development. Our heads of departments for English language and mathematics, they have begun several rounds of training as it relates to curriculum delivery, unpacking the curriculum, and customising the curriculum to the level of the students that they have under their charge,” she noted.

Dr. Thomas Gayle said that the activities will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months.

She encouraged all stakeholders to support the programme, which is expected to yield improvements in the targeted subject areas. She noted that a similar intervention has been used at the primary level.

“When we got the 2022 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) data for grade five and we saw how the students performed, we used the same approach at the primary level and we saw the [improved] performance at grade six.

“We believe that our high schools are more than capable of improving the students and so, we are comfortable and we are optimistic that this will yield the success that we so desire,” Dr. Thomas Gayle said.

Meanwhile, she is also encouraging persons to visit the Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) website at https://volunteer.trend-ja.com/ to lend their support to the education transformation process.

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has awarded 14 top performing students sitting this year’s May/June Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) external tests. 

The students, who hail from Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, were celebrated during CXC’s 2024 Top Awards Ceremony in St. Lucia on Thursday (December 5).  

Shanoya Morgan of St. Andrew High School for Girls, received the Menezes-Rodney Award, presented to the most outstanding candidate in CSEC History.  

Montego Bay Community College’s Noella Brown earned the CAPE award for most outstanding candidate in Humanities.  

This year’s most outstanding candidates in the CAPE and CSEC examinations, Aniyah Couchman and Dave Chowtie, respectively, hail from Queen’s College in Guyana.  

Aniyah achieved Grade One in 20 subjects and Grades Two and Three in one subject each. Dave scored Grade One in 25 subjects and Grade Two in four. 

In his address, St. Lucia’s Minister of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Hon. Shawn Edward, commended the students on their “remarkable achievements.”  

“Your achievements stand as a testament to your hard work, discipline and unyielding commitment to excellence. You have proven that with determination, resilience and an appetite for knowledge, the highest levels of academic success are possible at your school, in your country and in the wider Caribbean region,” he said.   

Mr. Edward told the awardees that this success is not the culmination of their journey, but rather a significant milestone which should fuel their passion for greater accomplishments and accolades.  

“Let this moment serve as both a recognition of your success and a springboard for even greater achievements,” he underscored. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Edward said CXC has played a pivotal role in advancing educational excellence by being a beacon of academic rigour, innovation and cultural relevance, adding that the institution must be supported as the region prepares for the future.  

“It is our collective responsibility – parents, educators, policy makers and the Caribbean Examinations Council – to create an environment that nurtures talent, fosters innovation and ensures that every child in the Caribbean has access to quality education. Let this evening’s celebration inspire us to work together to build a region where academic excellence is not the exception, but instead the norm,” Mr. Edward stated.  

For his part, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, charged the awardees to tackle critical Caribbean issues.  

“In St. Lucia and in the Caribbean, we are seeing some negative things – male underperformance, high dropout rates and the rise of gun-related crimes. This is not just one person’s problem or one country’s problem, it is everyone’s problem. We are witnessing this across the entire Caribbean region and it’s a matter that you, the brightest minds, as well as our institutions must put thought to and ask ‘what can I do to help?’” he said.  

Mr. Pierre noted that it is a struggle that politicians and Prime Ministers have to face daily, emphasising this as a matter that must be solved if the region is to sustain and grow Caribbean civilisation.  

“Whatever you pursue, remember the purpose of knowledge. It must be for the betterment of our humanity and betterment of our civilisation. Whether you choose to pursue agriculture, finance, medicine, engineering, law, whether you choose to develop artificial intelligence or produce works of art, whatever you pursue, do it with passion and do it for the greater good of all,” Prime Minister Pierre said. 

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says effective leadership at any level is critical in deciding success or failure within an organisation.

Senator Morris Dixon, during a recent visit to the Green Island High School in Hanover, as part of a tour of schools in Region Four, which includes the parishes of St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland, underscored the invaluable role of effective leadership in shaping the educational landscape.

“Leadership is critical to the overall success of an institution,” the Minister said, highlighting the impressive progress made at Green Island High.

“With strong leadership and a dedication to innovation, Green Island High School serves as a shining example of what is possible when a community comes together to support its youth,” the Minister added.

She praised the collaborative efforts of the principal, teachers, and the school Board, noting that their unified vision is evident in the school’s achievements.

The Minister pointed to Green Island’s impressive achievements in the performing arts, expressing her delight at the school’s dedication to this area.

She argued that the arts play an essential role in fostering creativity and self-expression among students.

Senator Morris Dixon also noted that the performing arts not only enhance students’ educational experiences but equip them with valuable skills that can be leveraged in various career paths.

Minister Morris Dixon also highlighted the importance of technology in education, pointing out that the future of Jamaica’s students hinges on their ability to embrace innovative tools and methods.

“Technology is the future, and our students need to be equipped with the skills that will make them competitive in a global marketplace,” she emphasised.

The Minister praised Green Island High for its forward-thinking initiatives, which she believes are crucial for preparing students for the demands of the 21st century.

“It is clear that the teachers at Green Island High are dedicated to their students’ success. Their commitment to fostering a love for learning is evident in the positive interactions I witnessed today,” she added.

The Minister noted that her visit to the region comes at a time when the Jamaican education system is undergoing significant changes, with a renewed focus on improving outcomes for all students.

She said that by showcasing successful models like Green Island High School, she hopes to inspire other institutions to adopt similar approaches that prioritise leadership, innovation and collaboration.

“We must continue to invest in our schools and our teachers, as they are the backbone of our education system. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children,” Senator Morris Dixon added.

Students at José Martí Technical High School in St. Catherine are now benefiting from a $2.9-million upgraded library, which was facilitated through contributions by past students of the intuition.

The project was spearheaded by the José Martí Alumni Association New York Inc. (JMAANY), with support from various groups in the past-students association.

Their efforts resulted in the painting and renovation of the library, which included the installation of new windows, doors and an air-conditioning unit; donation of 20 laptop and 25 desktop computers; expansion of the computer room to facilitate the additional devices and building of a circulation area for the librarian.

Principal, Rev. Dr. Austin Wright, noted that the past students “have done extremely well over the past 10 years to meet the needs of the school and to assist the students”, during the facility’s recent handover.

“Thank you for what you have been doing. Today is significant in the life of the school, and we are grateful for your thought and vision,” Dr. Wright said, citing the gesture as a wise investment for the school’s 1,900 students.

Executive Member of JMAANY, Nordia Burke, said the project was a “labour of love”, as they recognise the importance of libraries in the academic journey of students.

She said they were motivated to raise funds for the facility after learning that the students’ access to library services was limited.

“We had to act. So, we embarked on this journey a year ago. We worked tirelessly to raise funds and received generous donations from individual past students. We are grateful for the support and proud of what we have done and hope that the students and staff will cherish and take good care of the facility,” Ms. Burke said.

Regional Director with the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), Carrol Plummer, who was the guest speaker, underscored the importance of libraries in the educational, cultural and social growth of students.

“By nurturing their creative imagination; libraries are more relevant than before because of the vast information that is on the Internet. It is at the library that you will learn how to find credible information,” she said.

Meanwhile, teacher and librarian at José Martí High, Annette McDonald, said the library’s upgrading will benefit generations to come.

She said the past students’ gesture has made a difference, noting that the school now has a “resource-rich” library to aid in building the current students’ academic credentials.

“We will foster a culture of… learning…, and ensure the long-term relevance of this space,” Ms. Plummer said.