State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Crawford, has called on teaching institutions to work more closely with the Government to address the underperformance of boys in the education system.
She made the call during her first official assignment as State Minister at the Grand Gala for Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, in St. James, on Monday, September 29.
“As a Ministry we do not presume having the solution to this question. We need institutions like you to help us to figure it out, as there’s so many questions that need to be raised,” Ms. Crawford said.
She noted that male students are underperforming in literacy and numeracy. Moreover, they are more likely to disengage from schools and are disproportionately represented among those who drop out before completing secondary education, according to the State Minister.
Ms. Crawford said this is not merely an educational issue, but a pressing national development crisis.
“Now, do we equip teachers with gender sensitive teaching strategies that acknowledge differently how boys and girls learn? Do we integrate more hands-on, skill-based and technology driven learning that excite boys and keep them motivated? Do we provide strong male role models in education so boys can see themselves reflected in their teachers and aspiring to excellence?” she asked.
She added that Jamaica cannot achieve its vision of increasing growth and prosperity if half of its young people are left trailing behind.
In the meantime, the State Minister indicated that special needs education is another area of critical importance.
She commended Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College for already producing excellent special education teachers.
“The future of teacher education in Jamaica must ensure that every teacher graduates with skills, empathy and creativity to support the students with exceptionalities. Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College is already well on the way,” Ms. Crawford explained.
“Special needs education must not be a side programme. It is not an afterthought. It must be part of the core DNA of training for our teachers,” she added.
Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration was held under the theme: ‘Celebrating Excellence, Advancing the Legacy’. The event featured a range of celebratory activities, including presentations and a balloon release to commemorate the college’s five-decade history as a pioneer of western Jamaica’s tertiary education.
Principal of the institution, Dr. Ricardo Bennett, praised the contributions of past principals and Board chairmen.
He pointed out the need for continued government support and robust alumni engagement, as the celebration underscored the college’s enduring commitment to educational excellence and its forward-looking vision for the future.