Education Ministry Aiming for Full Compliance with Procurement Procedures
Ministry Updates Public on Plans to Administer GSAT
Ministry Steps up Training for Potential School Principals
New Guidelines for Managing SBAs
Minister Praises Staff, Stakeholders for Achievements by the Education Sector
Killing of Belmont Academy Student
Education Ministry Condemns Match Fixing and Trading of Athletes
Reports in the media indicated that a probe has been launched into two second round Group J Manning Cup football matches after 28 goals were scored and there appears to be allegations of improper conduct.
In a recent letter to Education Minister Ronald Thwaites the Inter-Secondary Sports Association (ISSA) disclosed that it, too, has concerns about the recent incidents.
Education Ministry Condemns Match Fixing and Trading of Athletes
Reports in the media indicated that a probe has been launched into two second round Group J Manning Cup football matches after 28 goals were scored and there appears to be allegations of improper conduct.
In a recent letter to Education Minister Ronald Thwaites the Inter-Secondary Sports Association (ISSA) disclosed that it, too, has concerns about the recent incidents.
Education Ministry Says No to Screening Students for CSEC
Education Ministry distributes literacy books to 800 schools
Sonia White, principal of St. Patrick's Primary School in the Corporate Area, receives supplies of Literacy 1-2-3 textbooks from Claudette Carter, director of the United States Agency for International Development /Ministry of Education’s Improved Reading Outcomes Project, which funded the recent procurement of 613,000 books. Approximately 800 schools along with parish libraries and teachers’ colleges will receive supplies of the Literacy 1-2-3 books. Other Ministry of Education personnel are assisting with the sorting and distribution process.
SEVEN JAMAICAN STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS
Seven of Jamaica’s most outstanding achievers have received scholarships under the Annual Jamaica/Grace Kennedy Scholarship Award.
The students were awarded the scholarships based on their performance in the sitting of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in June 2014. The seven students, who attended high schools in Kingston, St. Andrew and Clarendon, were selected from amongst 168 students. The high acheivers are:-
Students with Special Needs Accommodated at GSAT Exams
March 27, 2015: Some 261 students with a variety of special needs were among the 38,470 candidates who sat the two-day Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) that ended today. The Test was postponed by a week due to the adverse effects on nearby schools of smoke from a fire at the Riverton City disposal site in St. Catherine.
Parents Empowered to Care for Children with Special Needs
March 27, 2015: Scores of parents of children with special needs have been motivated and empowered by the information shared with them during a recent seminar put on by the Ministry of Education’s Region One Office at the Pembroke Hall Primary School in St Andrew.
Educators Trained in Positive Behaviour Management System
April 19, 2015: More than 1400 educators in 22 public schools across the island have received training in the use of Positive Behaviour Intervention System as a means of resocialising students who display anti-social behaviour.
Industry Leaders to Spur Growth of STEM Academies
May 3, 2015: EDUCATION MINISTER Ronald Thwaites has appointed several industry leaders to spearhead the transformation of selected technical high schools into Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics or STEM academies that will produce persons qualified for employment in several sectors of the economy.
Education Ministry Focuses on Resocialisation at Grade 7
Rolls out suite of behavior change programmes
THERE ARE behavioural and social issues and challenges affecting our children that cause a major cramp in the education system. Data from the Ministry of National Security’s Safe School Programme indicated that during the 2012/2013 Academic Year, three thousand six hundred and seventy one (3,671) students were cited for anti-social behaviours of varying degrees. Therefore, we are concentrating on developing positive social attitudes and customs.
Education Ministry Bans Disruptive Game From Schools
THE MINISTRY of Education has issued a ban against students playing the game called Charlie, Charlie Challenge in schools. In a bulletin issued today, Chief Education Officer Grace McLean instructed schools to monitor students to ensure they are not allowed to play the game.
The Ministry issued the ban following reports from several schools across the island of very disruptive behaviour by students who engaged in the game. Some reports intimated that students displayed demon-possessed or paranormal behaviour while playing the game.
Challenge Issued to Global Teacher Trainers
How countries prepare their teachers to engage the 21st Century learner is again being brought into sharp focus by educators, many of whom gathered in Malaysia last week for the International Conference on School Leadership in the 21st Century.
Challenge Issued to Global Teacher Trainers
How countries prepare their teachers to engage the 21st Century learner is again being brought into sharp focus by educators, many of whom gathered in Malaysia last week for the International Conference on School Leadership in the 21st Century.
High Cost Of Graduation Packages
Principals are being reminded that all measures should be implemented in order to reduce the costs of graduation packages. This includes facilitating students wearing their uniforms on the day of the activity. Parents would then not need to make new purchases for white dresses and suites. Other costs associated with acquiring corsages and the renting of school gowns should not be considered if these costs are burdensome to parents.
Ministry Commends Schools on Preparation for Grade Four Tests
The Ministry of Education has commended primary school principals and teachers for their efforts in preparing the nation’s children for the Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy Tests to be held on June 30 and July 1, 2015 respectively. A total of 116,250 candidates will sit the examination.
In a recent bulletin to schools Chief Education Officer Dr Grace McLean advised principals of all Primary Schools that the format of the Grade Four Numeracy and Literacy Tests remains the same as previous sittings.
Ministry To Increase Transfer of GSAT Students Due to Distance
The Ministry of Education is cognisant of the many challenges facing parents whose children have to attend schools that are far from where they live. Among the concerns are the availability and cost of transportation as well as the cost of lunch.
These factors sometimes limit children’s attendance to three days per week. Schools also have been concerned about how students’ learning is affected by absenteeism.
GSAT Statement by Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education
Statement by Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education
To the House of Representatives, June 16, 2015
Mr Speaker, I wish to update this Honourable House on matters related to the Education Sector.
I begin by presenting a preliminary report on the performance of students on the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) for 2015. The results will be available to the primary level institutions on the evening of Wednesday June 17, 2015.
All in Place for Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy Tests
The Ministry of Education advises that all is in place to facilitate the sitting of the Grade Four Literacy Test on Tuesday June 30 by 58,125 students.
On Wednesday July 1, some 43,127 students will sit the Grade Four Numeracy Test. The candidates for both examinations include 14,998 repeaters.
SOME 21,223 FEMALES AND 21,904 MALES WILL SIT THE NUMERACY TEST IN 1470 CENTRES ACROSS THE ISLAND, WHILE 25,641 FEMALES AND 32,484 MALES WILL SIT THE LITERACY EXAMINATION IN 1650 CENTRES.
Mathematics & Science Education Scholarship Awards
NEWS RELEASE
Education Ministry Grants Scholarships to
Trainee Teachers of Maths and Science
October 11 2015:
THE MINISTRY of Education has awarded mathematics and science education scholarships valued at $14 million to 51 persons pursuing degree programmes at teacher-training institutions across the island commencing this academic year.
Of the total scholarship awardees 42 received full tuition, four received tuition and boarding, while the remaining five received partial tuition funding.
JAMAICAN STUDENTS SCORE HIGH ON CITY & GUILDS EXAMS
October 20, 2015:
JUST RELEASED data has shown that Jamaican students performed creditably in the latest City & Guilds mathematics and English examinations.
Last year the Ministry of Education decided to underwrite the cost for 10,000 students to write City & Guilds Maths and English in a move to expand the options for external examinations available to students.
Education Programme Launched for PATH Parents
November 12, 2015
The Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) has partnered with the National Parenting Support Commission to launch an initiative aimed at increasing parenting skills to ensure that children are healthy and ready mentally and socially to engage the education system at grade one.
Ministry To Provide 400 Math, Science Teachers Scholarships
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with teacher-training institutions, will embark on a vigorous recruitment drive to identify potential candidates from the secondary school cohort for its Mathematics and Science scholarship programmes.
Public Libraries to Provide Job Information
Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites has endorsed an agreement between the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) to provide the public with access to its Labour Market Information System (LMIS) utilizing public libraries.
According to Minister Thwaites the initiative is a very good use of the Library Service’s island-wide network and its recently acquired communications infrastructure.
Insurance Industry pleased with its investment in ‘Maths Workshops'
The Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) recently spent just under $800,000 sponsoring four workshops for teachers of mathematics and integrated science in Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Toll Gate and Kingston.The purpose of the workshop is to equip teachers to properly prepare their students to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams in a few months’ time.
Vere Technical High a Leader in Innovation
The Ministry of Education has been encouraging the use of innovation, technology and creativity in the classroom to boost the learning ability and technical skills of students especially at the secondary school level.
6000 Students to Attend Math Expo
The Ministry of Education will be hosting activities from March 6 to March 10, 2016 to mark the fourth staging of the National Mathematics Week with the objective of improving attitudes to the teaching and learning of Mathematics.
All in Place for GSAT 2016 Sitting
All in Place for GSAT 2016 Sitting
March 7, 2016: ALL IS IN PLACE for the 2016 sitting of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT). The tests will take place on Thursday, March 17 and Friday March 18, 2016 in 1090 centres across the island, according to Chief Education Officer Dr Grace McLean.
Holy Trinity High Students Sing A New Song
Students at Holy Trinity High School in Central Kingston are singing a new song.
“Before students joined the school choir, teachers and parents had complained about their bad behavior,” recounted Andrew Coley, music instructor at the school for 20 years. He reported that since their participation in the choir students’ attire and speech have improved as a result of the discipline that accompanies music education.
Jamaica Day Edutainment at Belmont Academy
Belmont Academy in Westmoreland transformed its café into a virtual museum of Jamaica’s artistic, culinary, cultural, musical, natural and political heritage in celebrating Jamaica Day on March 4, 2016. Over twelve schools from across the Ministry of Education’s Region 4 (St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland) shared in this year’s celebrations under the theme, “Celebrating Jamaica, Promoting the Arts.”
Minister Green Congratulates Shamoy Hajare on Winning Commonwealth Youth Award
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.
Minister Green Urges Young Men to Be Role Models
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, is urging young men to strive to be positive leaders and role models, according to the Jamaica Information Service
Mr. Green, who was addressing a graduation ceremony for some 100 Jamaica College sixth form students, on April 6, at the school, emphasized that the country is in need of strong male leaders.
“What is important is the characteristics that you develop, even more important than the profession you choose,” he said.
Plans Progressing Well for Implementation of APSE
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.
Minister Welcomes Removal of Offensive Poster from School Gate
Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid has welcomed the removal of offensive posters from the entrance of the Alpha Primary School in Kingston.
Following media exposure of the signs which promoted X-rated adult entertainment, Minister Reid visited the school Monday morning (April 18) and expressed relief that they had been removed.
Education Ministry to Work Closer with Autism Body
JIS: Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, is looking to work more closely with the Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA) to better address the needs of children with autism.
“I want to invite you at your earliest convenience to have a sit down to examine how the great work of JASA can be enhanced through greater twinning with the mandate and work of the Ministry. I believe that all our children deserve an equal opportunity to learn,” he said.
Education Minister Endorses ERP System at CMI
JIS: MINISTER OF EDUCATION, YOUTH and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has endorsed the move by the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) to launch an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System online application portal.
This will make the CMI the first tertiary institution to use a full scale ERP System to run the entire business processes of the institution.
Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’, on April 19, Minister Reid said the use of technology is inevitable for institutions, if they intend to remain relevant and successful.
Education Minister Urges Parents to Put Children First
JIS: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Senator Ruel Reid, is appealing to parents not to choose entertainment over the care and protection of their children.
Addressing a ‘Safe Children Forum’ in May Pen earlier this week, Senator Reid noted that parents have been leaving young children at home in the care of older siblings to attend popular entertainment events.
These activities, he said, often take precedence over assisting with homework, and providing general guidance.
Singapore Math Resources Available to Local Teachers
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).
Minister Outlines Funding of Education
JIS:Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the Government has a fundamental position on how education is funded.
“In our Charter of Rights, we have a responsibility to provide State-funded education to our youth up to the age of 18. We don’t like a structure where there are fees that impede or impair access,” the Minister said.
Education Minster Tours US Special Needs School
SENATOR RUEL REID, Minister of Education, Youth and Information says his recent tour of the School of the Future in Philadelphia, USA has validated the Ministry’s decision to implement the Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education (APSE) approach in September this year.
The School of the Future caters to a mixture of students with and without special needs.
Math app now available for Primary schools
All primary schools across the island will now have access to the ‘Calculation Time’ Mathematics application (app), which is designed to improve students’ knowledge and appreciation of the subject.
The app, which was officially launched at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites, in New Kingston, on April 29, is one of the methodologies used under the ‘Calculation Time’ programme, which aims to make learning Mathematics fun for students.
OCR Invites Students to Become Child Ambassadors
JIS: The Office of Children’s Registry (OCR) is inviting primary and high school students to apply to become child ambassadors for the period 2016 to 2018.
Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2016 and students must be between 10 and 16 years of year years, in order to apply for the two-year programme.
Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on April 27, Registrar at the OCR, Greig Smith, said the agency is inviting applications from all parishes, except St. Mary and St. James, as the last two child ambassadors came from those parishes.
Reading Programme Lauded
JIS: Several teachers and education officials are lauding the Education Partnership for Improved Reading Outcomes, for equipping the education system with the tools for steady progress in literacy.
Under the three-year project, which ended in March, the Education Ministry, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided capacity building and technical assistance to the National Literacy Programme, implemented in 2010, through a comprehensive reading programme in 450 schools.
Church Urged to Help Counsel Abused Children
JIS: The church is being called on to help in the counselling of abused children, and to assist the authorities in nabbing perpetrators.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, says the church has the capacity to play a greater role in the security of children.
Ruel Reid: Our Youth Still Need CAP
The Gleaner: IN A RECENT ARTICLE, 'The CAP doesn't fit', published in the In Focus section last Sunday, co-authors Franklin Johnston and Radley Reid appeared oblivious to the fact that 5,000 students currently benefit from the additional two years of secondary schooling under the Career Advancement Programme (CAP).
Governor General: Scholarship Announcement
JIS: Applications are invited for theSir Patrick & Lady Allen 40th Anniversary Scholarshipfor study at the University of Technology leading to a Bachelor of Science in either of the following fields: Medical Technology, Applied Science or Mathematics and Education.
The scholarship covers tuition and ancillary fees for the selected degree programme which should begin in the 2016/2017 academic year.
Caribbean Maritime Institute Signs MOU
Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid (centre) participates in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Jamaica-based Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) and GAT Cluster Caribes in Martinique last week. CMI is to provide regional capacity building services. Other participants from left are Dr. Ibrahim Ajagunna, Director of the School of Academics, CMI; Ms Sandra Casanova, President GAT Cluster Caribes; Dr Fritz Pinnock, Executive Director, CMI and Mr Balfour Peart, CEO Tycarbal Associates, USA.
National Child Month Broadcast by Hon. Floyd Green
National Child Month Broadcast by Hon. Floyd Green
State Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth & Information
for National Child Month Celebrations May 2016
Fellow Jamaicans,
All children deserve to grow up in a caring and loving environment -- yet, across Jamaica, thousands of children are neglected or abused each year, often causing lasting consequences. Although effectively intervening in the lives of these children and their families is an important responsibility at all levels of government, preventing abuse and neglect is a shared obligation.
National Child Month Broadcast by Hon. Floyd Green
National Child Month Broadcast by Hon. Floyd Green
State Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth & Information
for National Child Month Celebrations May 2016
Fellow Jamaicans,
All children deserve to grow up in a caring and loving environment -- yet, across Jamaica, thousands of children are neglected or abused each year, often causing lasting consequences. Although effectively intervening in the lives of these children and their families is an important responsibility at all levels of government, preventing abuse and neglect is a shared obligation.
Prime Minister to Honour 40 Educators on June 23
JIS: Prime Minister Andrew Holness will honour 40 educators on Thursday, June 23 at the Ceremony for the Presentation of the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education. Those to be awarded include active and retired teachers, principals, lecturers and education officers.
Since 2005, awardees have been selected based on their outstanding service through innovation and creativity as well as their active involvement in community development. Some educators have served for at least 15 years and for others, as many as 47 years.
$295 Million Allocated to NYS
JIS: The National Youth Service (NYS) has been allocated $295 million for the implementation of various youth-development programmes during the 2016/17 financial year.
Speaking at a JIS Think Tank recently, Acting Executive Director of the NYS, Dennis Lawrence, noted that these programmes, which aim to equip young people with the necessary training and life-coping skills to foster their personal and career development, have collectively benefited some 20,000 persons in the last financial year.
Phasing out of junior high schools continuing
THE OBSERVER: THE Government’s plan to phase out junior high schools continues as it develops its Alternative Pathway for Secondary Education (APSE) programme, which will allow students more time to gain relevant certification.
There are 84 junior high schools left in the island.
Under the APSE programme, students who learn at a slower pace will advance to high school but will be taught a parallel curriculum at their level.
Innovators Urged to Develop Apps to Boost Gov’t Operations
JIS: State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, is encouraging technology innovators to develop applications that can be utilised by Government to improve its operations and processes.
“The Government definitely needs more of you to look at some of the problems we have in governance and find new ways for us to solve those problems,” he said.
“I want to see more of you develop applications that a government can use to aid its processes; to develop services, to deliver services to the people of Jamaica,” he added.
Exam to replace GSAT pushed back to 2018
The Observer: THE roll-out of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), which is slated to replace the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), has been rescheduled to the academic year 2018/2019 from a previously announced date of 2017/2018.
Gaps in training needs for workforce being identified
JIS: The HEART Trust/NTA is partnering with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information to identify the gaps in the training needs for the workforce.
Portfolio Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, says he has also requested the private sector to highlight the areas of need.
The minister said this is necessary, “as we look at the emerging job opportunities, such as animation, business process outsourcing, hospitality, maritime and logistics”.
Teacher Training For New Curriculum Starts This Week
THE GLEANER:
Training for more than 12,000 public- and private-school teachers gets underway this week as the Ministry of Education Youth and Information (MOEYI) prepares for the roll-out of the new curriculum for primary and secondary schools.
The National Standards Curriculum (NSC) replaces the Revised Primary Curriculum (RPC) and the National Curriculum for Grades 7-9, formerly referred to as the Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE).
Scholarships for Persons to Teach Mathematics and Science
JIS: In its bid to boost the cadre of Mathematics and Science teachers, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MEYI) is offering scholarships to 500 suitably qualified persons.
They are being offered in collaboration with The Mico University College, and include 200 Mathematics Education, 200 Science Education and 100 Technical Vocational Education scholarships.
Schools Agree To Cooperate With Auxiliary Fees Policy
It appears groups representing principals and teachers have reached an amicable agreement with the education ministry regarding the controversial decision to abolish the payment of auxiliary fees at the high school level.
With the abolition of auxiliary fees the ministry has allocated some $5.3 billion to be granted to schools at the secondary level.
Since then, some school administrators have complained that the funding will not be enough to cover operational costs for the academic year.
Three Top GSAT Students Receive Scholarships
JIS: Three top Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) students have received scholarships valued at $50,000 each from Facey Commodity Company, under its Tang brand.
The students are Michaelia Nesbeth of Old Harbour Bay Primary School; Jessica Simms, St. Richard’s Primary School, and Roan Maye, Black River Primary School.
Gov’t contemplating incentives to keep specialist teachers
THE OBSERVER: EDUCATION Minister Senator Ruel Reid says the Government is contemplating introducing incentives to encourage teachers in specialist areas, such as mathematics and the sciences, to remain in Jamaica.
Education Ministry Receives Furniture from the Joseph Assignment Global Initiative (JAGI)
JIS: The education sector has received more than 1,000 pieces of school furniture from the Joseph Assignment Global Initiative (JAGI).
They were handed over today (August 23) by representatives of the group to officials of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, at its Heroes Circle offices, in Kingston.
Discussions Under Way for CCTV to Link Schools and Transport Centre
JIS: Discussions are under way between the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information for the installation of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system that links the Transport Centre with various high schools in the Corporate Area.
This was noted by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, during a back-to-school conference for Region One at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, yesterday (August 29).
12 More Schools to be Removed from Shift System
JIS: During the 2016/17 academic year, the Government will remove 12 more schools from the shift system.
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, notes that 14,395 students will be impacted.
Senator Reid was speaking at a back-to-school press conference, held on August 31 at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle offices in Kingston.
The institutions include three primary and junior high schools and nine high schools.
Ministry Partners With JCF to Ensure Students Attend School Safely
JIS:The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is partnering with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to ensure that students in sections of western Kingston can attend school safely.
In recent weeks, some communities in western Kingston have been affected by violence.
Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon Ruel Reid, told JIS News yesterday (September 6) that the JCF is providing additional patrols on the roads in those areas to ensure safety and security for the children and residents.
Parents Urged to Complete GSAT Registration Form
JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is imploring parents and guardians whose children will sit the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in 2017 to ensure that they complete the registration or entry form by the deadlines set by the schools.
The Ministry, in a statement, said parents should now be in the process of completing the document.
Parents, who have not yet received a form, are advised to contact their child’s teacher immediately.
Education State Minister Endorses Stock Market Game
JIS: State Minister in the Education, Youth and Information Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green, has hailed the efforts of the Jamaica Stock Exchange to promote financial literacy among high school students and teachers through its Stock Market Game.
“They (JSE) are innovators at heart. They have been…finding ways to ensure that as a country we get more financially literate,” Mr. Green said, noting that the game is helping to demystify certain principles and concepts regarding the stock market.
Foreign Languages To Be Compulsory Up To Grade Nine
JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is looking to make foreign languages compulsory for students from grades one to nine.
Portfolio Minister Ruel Reid said the move forms part of the Ministry's foreign language policy in schools.
Inner-City Youth to Benefit from Internships
JIS: Youth from selected inner-city communities are to benefit from internships under the Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s (JSIF) Poverty Reduction Programme next fiscal year.
A sum of $349.8 million has been set aside in the 2017/18 Estimates of Expenditure for this and other initiatives under the project.
The selected young persons are to also benefit from development workshops to be offered.
Inner-City Youth to Benefit from Internships
JIS: Youth from selected inner-city communities are to benefit from internships under the Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s (JSIF) Poverty Reduction Programme next fiscal year.
A sum of $349.8 million has been set aside in the 2017/18 Estimates of Expenditure for this and other initiatives under the project.
The selected young persons are to also benefit from development workshops to be offered.
Inner-City Children to Benefit from GSAT Clinics
JIS: A total of 1,440 children from inner-city communities islandwide are to benefit from Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) clinics next fiscal year.
To be held in 26 schools/centres, the clinics will be carried out under the Jamaica Integrated Community Development Project.
The project has been allotted $700 million in the 2017/18 Estimates of Expenditure to carry out this task and other social services as well as infrastructural and civil works activities.
ECC Forms Partnership To Help Early Childhood Schools
JIS: THE Early Childhood Commission (ECC) recently formalised a partnership with Digicel Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide assistance to five early-childhood schools to become certified under the ECC’s 12 Operating Standards.
The schools are New Works Primary and Infant, Westmoreland; Upper Rock Spring All-Age and Infant School, Hanover; Pratville Infant Department, Manchester; Carisbrooke Infant Department, St Elizabeth; and Cassava River Primary and Infant Department, St Catherine.
Teachers Urged to Find Creative Ways to Teach Math
JIS: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, is challenging teachers to find new and creative ways of teaching mathematics to students, including the incorporation of technology.
“Don’t be afraid of technology; don’t feel, necessarily, that you are less of a person if you use the technology to aid the current process,” he said.
Vauxhall High Host Open Day
JIS: The Industrial Arts Department of Vauxhall High School on Friday (March 24) hosted an Open Day to showcase the skills of secondary students preparing for careers in technical and vocational fields.
The institution was supported by students from Kemps Hall, Dunoon and Donald Quarrie Technical High Schools, who also mounted displays, some of which were a part of students’ School Based Assessment (SBA) projects for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.
The Jamaica Library Service Embraces the Use of Technology in its Services
JIS: The library community has been evolving and remains quite relevant in a technologically-driven society through the array of services it offers to meet the demands of users.
The Jamaica Library Service (JLS) consists of 119 fixed locations, that is, 13 parish libraries and 106 branch libraries.
There is also a mobile library service which caters to some 370 communities island wide.
Genesis Academy to Host Spell off on March 29
JIS: Preparations are in high gear at Genesis Academy, where students and teachers are making the final push towards full readiness for the school’s upcoming spell-off.
This is no ordinary spelling competition. It is a contest for high school students between the ages of 12 and 25, who are diagnosed with physical and intellectual challenges.
More than 3,000 Athletes at Boys and Girls’ Champs
JIS: Approximately 3,100 athletes from high schools islandwide will be on show at the annual Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston from March 28 to April 1.
A special opening ceremony will be held at the stadium on Friday, March 31, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, and other government officials are expected to attend.
Knox Community College Making an Impact in Central Jamaica
JIS: Knox Community College in Manchester, with its four campuses, is impacting the lives of young people, especially from central Jamaica.
Principal, Rev. Dr. Gordon Cowans, tells JIS News that the community college is a premier tertiary institution, serving Jamaicans for more than 40 years.
Principal Looks to Transform Rural St. Andrew Primary School
JIS: Woodford Primary and Infant School principal, Jennifer Gordon, could hardly contain her joy.
After months of planning and preparation, the school was able to successfully stage its first literacy fair on February 23.
“It was a success; literacy was shining through everybody’s pores. Although it rained, the competitions happened, the students were engaged in all the activities the entire day,” she gushed to JIS News.
St. Joseph’s Infant Seeks Support to Meet ECC’s Operating Standards
JIS: Principal of the 123-year-old St. Joseph’s Infant School, located in downtown Kingston, Rosemarie Clarke, is seeking support to enable the institution to attain the Early Childhood Commission’s (ECC) 12 operating standards.
It has, so far, attained 77 per cent of the requirements for certification, but now needs help to meet the other 23 per cent, which covers building renovation, hiring nine additional teachers and preparation of documentation.
Mocho Primary Students Benefit from Literacy Programme
JIS: The Mocho Primary and Infant School in Clarendon has initiated a robust literacy programme that is geared at encouraging reading among students as well as ensuring that the institution remains a leader in the field.
Among the measures implemented are the Journalism Club; Pen Pal club; and the Read Aloud system, where teachers source books and loan to students on a weekly basis.
Parents are also encouraged to assist children in reading the publications.
Infant Department Opens at Allman Hill Primary and Junior High
JIS: The Allman Hill Primary and Junior High School in Above Rocks, St. Andrew, now has an Infant Department complete with amenities for early-childhood growth and development.
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information provided more than $2.1 million towards the project, which involved refurbishing an existing structure on the school’s compound to create classroom space, internal and external play areas and bathrooms.
Wolmer’s Boys’ Student Takes Top Prize in ATI Essay Competition
JIS: Sixth-form student of Wolmer’s Boys’ School, Oshnel Bryan, is the 2017 winner of the Access to Information (ATI) National High School Essay Competition.
His took home the top cash prize of $50,000 at the awards ceremony held on April 3 at The Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.
Portmore Basic School Gets Support Towards Achieving Certification Standards
JIS: The Marlin Avenue Basic School in Portmore, St. Catherine, is a step closer to achieving full certification under the Early Childhood Commission’s (ECC) 12 Operating standards for Early Childhood Institutions (ECI).
On Monday, April 3, Deputy Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), Rohan Campbell, presented at cheque valued at $809,309.31 to the principal of the School, Margaret Campbell, to assist in the certification process.
IPAD 4 Life Beneficiary Shines at Champs
JIS: The Petersfield High School family erupted with delight and pride when 19-year-old Kevin Nedrick broke the javelin and shot put records at the 2017 Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) Boys and Girls’ Championships last week.
“I really feel on top of the world about it,” says Principal Clyde Evans in an interview with JIS News.
Children’s Homes to be Renovated
JIS: Some $40 million has been allocated by the Government for renovation work at several children’s homes and places of safety this year.
This sum is in addition to the more than $80 million spent by the Government to renovate a number of children’s homes and places of safety in 2016.
The institutions identified for the refurbishing project include Granville Place of Safety, St. Augustine Place of Safety, Summerfield Child Care, Maxfield Park Children’s Home and Homestead Place of Safety.
150 Youth Being Trained in 3D Animation
JIS: Approximately 150 young people are benefiting from training in 3D animation, which will prepare them to take up lucrative jobs within the global industry.
The 10-month ‘Creative Industries Education and Employment Programme’ involves partnership between the Youth Employment in the Digital and Animation Industry (YEDAI) project and the Carlos Argüello (CA) Foundation.
The training, which got under way in February at Cornerstone Ministries in Kingston, involves five modules, with each module lasting for two months.
Home Economics Education Plays Key Role in National Development
JIS: Director for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information’s Western Regional Office, Dr. Michelle Pinnock, says home economics education continues to be an important subject area that plays a critical role in nation building.
Union Gardens Infant Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Students
JIS: The Union Gardens Infant School in South West St. Andrew has taken steps to ensure that the nutritional needs of the nearly 70 students enrolled at the early childhood institution are being adequately met.
This is in keeping with Standard 7 of the Early Childhood Commission’s Standards for the Operation, Management and Administration of Early Childhood Institutions (ECIs).
Government to Take Over Private Early Childhood Institutions
The Government will be moving to convert private early childhood institutions to publicly-run facilities.
This was disclosed by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, who said the process is slated to begin in September this year, with the conversion of the Jamaica House Infant School.
The Minister was speaking at an awards function for the Project for the Advancement of Early Childhood Education (P.A.C.E.) Canada, at the Terra Nova All-Suites Hotel in St. Andrew on April 28.
Education Matters | Clubs And Uniformed Groups Key Allies In Students’ Development
THE GLEANER: The tradition of clubs and uniformed groups on school grounds has proved to be of great benefit to students in many different aspects of life. Over the years, the numbers of clubs and uniformed groups have grown exponentially.
400 More Trained Teachers for Early Childhood Sector
JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be placing an additional 400 trained teachers in basic schools and infant departments as part of measures to strengthen early-childhood education.
State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green, said the initiative will be done through the Housing, Opportunity, Prosperity, Employment (HOPE) programme.
“These are trained teachers, who will be assigned throughout the region. Clearly, we are going to target those schools that don’t have any,” he said.
Teachers Recognised in South West St. Elizabeth
JIS: Scores of teachers and principals in South West St. Elizabeth were presented with tokens of appreciation on Teachers’ Day (May 10), by State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green.
Key rings and greeting cards were given to the recipients, while Councillors of the area presented each school with a cake.
There are 17 primary, two high and 43 basic schools in the constituency, with some 530 teachers for the students.
Oversight Committee Established For Early-Childhood Sector
JIS: An Oversight Committee, headed by Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan, has been established to oversee the development of a comprehensive strategy to revitalise the vision for Jamaican children eight years and younger.
This was stated by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, during the Senate’s sitting on Friday, May 5.
Most Students Sat Exams; Schools To Reopen Today
JIS: Most students were able to sit their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations yesterday, stated Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid.
John Rollins Success Scores with Calculation Time
JIS: Student achievement in mathematics at the John Rollins Success Primary School in St. James was not always something that could be spoken about with pride.
But this was before the introduction of the Calculation Time programme in 2011.
The initiative, which is a collaborative effort between the Governments of Japan and Jamaica, is designed to improve students’ knowledge and appreciation of the subject.
HEART Trust to break ground for BPO Finishing School
OBSERVER: Jamaica's training institute HEART Trust/NTA, in collaboration with private sector bodies, plans to break ground for a BPO Finishing School at the HEART College of Innovation and Technology in Montego Bay by year end.
Teacher of the Year runs Spanish classes for colleagues
OBSERVER: LASCO/Ministry of Education Teacher of the Year 2016/17 Kerene Nelson has a vision in which primary schools across the island are assigned resident teachers of Spanish to give them the opportunity to learn Spanish as a second language.
The St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) teacher believes that adavnatage should be taken of primary school students' eagerness to learn at that age.
All-Age, Shift Schools To Be Phased Out
JIS: THE Ministry of Education says it is on track to phase out the remaining all-age and junior high schools in the Jamaican education system, as well as those operated on a shift system, over the next three years.
There are currently 31 schools in the all-age and junior high category, while 42 are operated on shift.
Diaspora Contributed US$186,000 to Education Sector
JIS: The diaspora has contributed US$186,000 to the education sector for the period April 2016 to March 2017.
This was reported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, while speaking at a Jamaica Diaspora Day Breakfast event held on Friday (June 16) at the Jamaica National Financial Centre on Belmont Road, Kingston.
NCU Urged to Undertake More Agricultural Based Studies
JIS: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is challenging researchers at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) to undertake more agricultural based studies and innovations which would redound to the benefit of the country.
“If we manage to infuse technology and good management into our agricultural practises, we could increase our agricultural output tenfold and where you are in the centre of the island, I think you are well placed to lead that initiative,” he said.
Grade Four Students to Sit Literacy and Numeracy Exams on June 21 And 22
JIS: Thousands of students attending primary schools across the island are scheduled to sit the Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy examinations on June 21 and June 22.
The Tests are administered to children to determine their literacy and numeracy, at grade four, in keeping with international requirements and standards.
For the numeracy segment, students will be tested on number operation and representation; measurement and geometry, and algebra and statistics.
PM's National Youth Awards Nomination Form
The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence is open to all Jamaican nationals between 15-29 years old, who are living in Jamaica and the Diaspora, and who have attained excellence and world class achievement.
ELIGIBILITY a) Be a Jamaican national (including those living overseas) b) Must be born between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 2002.
Coffee Production To Be Introduced In School Curriculum
GLEANER: Cabinet is looking into the possibility of setting up a coffee academy to commence production within schools in Jamaica.
Addressing yesterday's post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, Minister of Education Youth, and Information Ruel Reid said the recommendation that the production of coffee be incorporated in the curriculum of local schools came out of a visit he and a four-member delegation made to Japan last week.
Minister Floyd Green leads a delegation to Commonwealth Youth Ministers Conference
JA delegation articulates youth priorities at Commonwealth Youth Ministers conference
A Jamaican delegation to the recently concluded Ninth Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM) in Kampala, Uganda, headed by Floyd Green, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MOEYI) has committed to keeping youth issues at the centre of public policy.
900 youngsters participate in National Children's Summit
JIS: MORE than 900 youngsters from institutions and organisations islandwide participated in the third annual National Children's Summit, which was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on Wednesday.
The event, which brings together children aged 12 to 18 for discussions on issues relating to their personal development, as well as matters of national and global interest, was held under the theme 'Children... Securing a Brighter Future Today for Tomorrow'.
Education Matters: Guidelines For PE And Contact Sports In Schools
GLEANER: As a new school year approaches, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information remains committed to its primary goal of providing formal education to all students. The ministry is also concerned, however, about the holistic development of all students through spiritual, physical, social and cultural activities. This is done through the curriculum and in the co-curricular activities in schools.
Tertiary students urged to use critical thinking to advance country
JIS: Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen is urging students to use tertiary training for the advancement of the country, through critical thinking.
He said demands of the workplace include creativity from employees, critical and divergent thinking, self-awareness, and integration of knowledge to tackle various challenges.
Revised Standards for Teacher Education Available by October
JIS: The revised standards for teacher education being undertaken by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) should be available by October of this year.
This was disclosed by Director, University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), Althea Heron, at the opening of the two-day Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica annual Professional Development Workshop being held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston from August 29 to 30.
Government Unwavering in Commitment to Education – Reid
JIS: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the Government’s unwavering commitment to education is reflected in the nearly $38 billion it is spending to enhance the secondary school system.
The sum, he said, includes far more than the $19,000 provided per student to cover operational costs.
STEM has gathered steam ...increased ministry funding; the arts now included
OBSERVER: There's been talk that the Ministry of Education's thrust towards STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) areas and methodology has petered out, but, according to chief education officer in the ministry, Dr Grace McLean, it's quite the opposite — it has gathered steam.
Universal School Enrollment Up To Age 16
JIS: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says Jamaica has universal enrolment of children in school up to age 16.
This is according to the 2015 Survey of Living Conditions, which measures the living standards of Jamaicans.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (October 4), Senator Reid said the findings also show improved enrolment among older age groups.
Use information to make a difference in the world — education minister
OBSERVER: Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid has charged young people to use information to increase their own knowledge and marketability and to make a positive difference in the world.
“It is a fact that we exist in an information age and knowledge economy, where our success is directly related to our capacity to effectively develop our intellect and use information intelligently to not only understand the world we live in, but also to take command of it and chart a positive way forward,” Reid said.
Deputy Chief Education Officer Urges Jamaicans to Do More to Protect Children From Abuse
JIS: Deputy Chief Education Officer, at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Lena Buckle Scott is encouraging Jamaicans to do more to protect the nation’s children from incidents of abuse.
She noted that parents and other stakeholders should be sensitised on how to report suspected cases.
Ministry Releases Ebooks For Early Childhood Learning
GLEANER: The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information (MOEYI) recently released 12 additional interactive ebooks for early childhood learning on BookFusion. With the help of the Digicel Foundation and BookFusion, parents and students now have free access to interactive books that range from learning to counting to colours and pronunciation.
These ebooks give immediate feedback, speak, and they also read and sing along with children to give them an interactive and enhanced reading experience, according to a release from BookFusion.
CXC trains teachers for green engineering subject
OBSERVER: Educators from six Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, are in the island for a week-long capacity building project intended to improve their delivery of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Green Engineering syllabus.
The syllabus was launched in Guyana in July 2016, and the first papers sat in the exam period of 2017.
Literacy, numeracy results show girls outmastering boys
OBSERVER: A total of 232 private schools with a sitting population of 4,365 students had 89.1 per cent mastery in the 2017 Grade Four Numeracy exams, compared to 64 per cent of the total public school students who achieved mastery. Nine point eight per cent of the private school students achieved almost mastery, compared to 27.1 per cent in the public school system, and just one per cent achieved non-mastery in private schools, compared to 8.8 per cent in the public school system.
Literacy, numeracy results show girls outmastering boys
OBSERVER: A total of 232 private schools with a sitting population of 4,365 students had 89.1 per cent mastery in the 2017 Grade Four Numeracy exams, compared to 64 per cent of the total public school students who achieved mastery. Nine point eight per cent of the private school students achieved almost mastery, compared to 27.1 per cent in the public school system, and just one per cent achieved non-mastery in private schools, compared to 8.8 per cent in the public school system.
Grade Four Test results in rural schools show literacy surpassing numeracy
OBSERVER: The percentage mastery figures for the better-performing rural schools across 12 parishes in the 2017 Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy tests are highlighted below.
Schools with very low school and grade four enrolment (under 30 students), while possibly achieving mastery of up to 100 per cent, were not included in this report.
ST THOMAS
More Students to Receive Tablet Computers
JIS: The Government is to spend $700 million to increase learning opportunities to students by providing them with more access to tablet computers and other information and communications technology (ICT)-based equipment, under the e-Learning Project.
The students will also receive support from teachers trained in the effective integration of such technology, which will be incorporated into the teaching and learning process.
$120 Million Allocated for Solar Project in Schools
JIS: The Government, in an effort to reduce schools’ dependency on the importation of fossil fuels to create energy, will spend approximately $120 million on the implementation of projects in schools under the Solar Systems Project.
Details have been outlined in the 2018/2019 Estimates of Expenditure, tabled in the House of Representatives on February 15.
$31-m Japanese grant to ease problems at Fair Prospect Primary, Black River High
OBSERVER: A Japanese Government grant for new classrooms will soon make life more comfortable for students of Fair Prospect Primary School who will no longer have to contend with termite-infested facilities and puddles that create obstacle courses whenever it rains.
Also, space problems at Black River High School will be eased as the St Elizabeth school has also received a grant from the Japanese Government to build additional classrooms to address overcrowding at the 48-year-old institution.
NYS Accepting Applications for HOPE Youth Summer Work Programme
JIS: The National Youth Service (NYS) is accepting applications for its HOPE Youth Summer Work Programme until April 13, 2018.
The programme will enable 14,000 young people to benefit from valuable work experience during the months of June, July and August.
The target group, aged 17 to 29 years, will be placed in various entities for a period of three weeks, where they will gain some of the necessary skills for the world of work.
Foster Care: Making a Difference in a Child’s Life
JIS: After losing both her parents in quick succession, Maxine Williamson found herself in an interesting situation.
The two children that her parents fostered had suddenly become her responsibility. Rather than having them return to the residential-care system, Ms. Williamson, who was living in Canada at the time, decided to return to Jamaica to take care of the children.
“I left my corporate job in Canada and came to Jamaica ‘cold turkey’, because I really wanted to provide a home for these children,” she tells JIS News.
Specialist Spanish Lecturer for Shortwood Teachers College
JIS: Shortwood Teachers’ College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) for the provision of a specialist lecturer in Spanish to bolster the College’s Foreign Languages Department.
The lecturer, who is a native of Spain, is slated to commence duties in the 2018/19 academic year, and will be assigned to the College for three years.
Stacey Taylor wins! Maths Teacher of the Year comes from Hatfield Primary
OBSERVER: Stacey Taylor of Hatfield Primary and Junior High School in Manchester is the 2018 National Mathematics Teacher of the Year.
The announcement was made at Mona Visitors' Lodge in St Andrew, on Wednesday, March 28.
Taylor was chosen from a list of 17 regional finalists and five national finalists. A total of 63 primary and secondary school teachers from across the six education regions were nominated for the award.
Prime Minister Calls on Parents to Desist from Keeping Children out of School
JIS: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is imploring parents engaged in the practice of withholding their children from school on some weekdays, to involve them in economic activities to generate household income, to desist from doing so.
“You’re not doing the child a favour (and) you’re certainly not supporting their full potential development by depriving them of one or two days of education,” Mr. Holness said as he launched activities for Workers’ Week and Labour Day at the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday (May 1).
New Curriculum for Intellectually Challenged Students
JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has developed a new curriculum for students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.
The document, which replaces the curriculum that was developed by the Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID), focuses on five main areas: life skills, functional mathematics, language and communication, science, and physical education.
As with the National Standard Curriculum (NSC), information technology and the arts function as the principal drivers.
Students Receive Assistance from International Proxy Parents
JIS: Sixty-six students from 19 high schools are benefiting from scholarships donated by the International Proxy Parents (IPP), a charitable organisation whose members include representatives of the diplomatic corps.
The organisation has also provided assistance to children in Places of Safety.
Funds for the scholarships were raised at the IPP’s annual bazaar, held on Saturday (November 10) in the gardens of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.
Parenting Education Project to be Expanded
JIS: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, says the Parenting Education Project will be expanded to reach more parents across the island.
The initiative, which is currently in six parishes, aims to promote positive parenting practices and family management skills among parents and caregivers of children, ages two to six, who are beneficiaries under the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).
OEC to Build State-of-the-Art Multipurpose Facility
JIS: The Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) is to construct a smart, flexible state-of-the-art multipurpose facility at its headquarters in Kingston, during the 2019/20 financial year.
A similar facility is to be developed at the Montego Bay Centre in the 2020/21 financial year.
This is outlined in the 2019/20 Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.
JSIF Constructing Infant Department at Barrett Town Primary
JIS: The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) is constructing an infant department at the Barrett Town Primary School in St. James at a cost of $34 million.
Funding is being provided by the European Union (EU) under its Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP IV).
Project Manager at JSIF, Celia Dillon, said that the four-classroom infant school, which will accommodate more than 110 students, is slated to be completed in July of this year.
School Administrators Urged to Take Steps to Eliminate Sexual Harassment
JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is advising administrators in educational and training institutions to take the necessary steps to eliminate incidents of sexual harassment.
The Ministry, in a recent bulletin, said that sexual harassment “is a barrier to equal opportunity and treatment of females and males”.
Teachers to Participate in Math Workshop August 21-23
JIS: Three hundred primary school teachers from Jamaica, Turks and Caicos Islands and Belize are expected to gather at the annual three-day mathematics training workshop, Amazing Math Powers (AMP), from August 21-23 at the Shortwood Teachers’ College in Kingston.
JSIF Spearheading Projects to Boost Special Education
JIS: Several projects are being spearheaded by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) aimed at strengthening capacity in the special education sector.
These initiatives, which are scheduled to be completed by December 2020, include infrastructural work and the training of teachers and school administrators.
University of The Commonwealth Caribbean Opens Innovation Centre
JIS: The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) has established an Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Centre, thereby providing a space for students and innovators with entrepreneurial and new technology-driven ideas to create practical solutions that can contribute to Jamaica’s growth.
The facility, located at the UCC’s main campus along Worthington Avenue in St. Andrew, was officially opened on Wednesday (September 25) as part of the institution’s third annual Academic Research Conference.
Jamaica To Participate In UN World’s Largest Lesson
JIS: Jamaica will be among several countries that will participate in the United Nations (UN) World’s Largest Lesson (WLL) 2019 between September and November.
The WLL is part of the UN’s ‘Project Everyone’ campaign to promote the ‘Global Goals for Sustainable Development’.
Speaking with JIS News, Education Specialist with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Rebecca Tortello, said that since 2015, Jamaica has joined the world in participating in the WLL.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems to be Installed at 30 Additional Schools
JIS: Approximately 30 additional schools will benefit from rainwater harvesting systems to be installed by Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL).
The agency recently commissioned into service systems installed at Rock Hall All Age School in St. Andrew, and Enid Bennett High School in St. Catherine, with another 30 set for completion by the end of the 2019/20 fiscal year.
MoEYI teams Up With restaurants, ODPEM To Distribute Food To PATH Students
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has reached agreements with Restaurant Associates of Jamaica, operators of the Burger King, Popeye’s and Little Caesars franchises and Restaurants of Jamaica, operators of KFC, to provide meals to students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). The WYSINCO Group will also be providing cases of Freshhh Lite orange juice.
Education Ministry Partners With RJRGLEANER Communications Group To Provide Educational Content To Students
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has partnered with the RJRGLEANER Communications Group to deliver live interactive teaching sessions across all its media platforms for high school students in Jamaica.
The agreement will see the RJRGLEANER brands – Television Jamaica (TVJ), The Gleaner’s Youth Link, Music 99FM, jamaicagleaner.com, televisionjamaica.com, Television Jamaica You Tube, Jamaica News Network (JNN) and 1spotmedia provide live and pre-recorded content to students.
Karl Samuda Thanks School Administrators, Teachers And Partners As MoEYI Rolls Out Home-schooling Programme
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda has thanked teachers, school administrators and other partners for collaborating with the Government to allow the provision of educational content to students in their homes following the closure of schools for 14 days.
Parents Urged To Provide Structure For Students At Home
Chief Executive Officer of the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), Kaysia Kerr, is encouraging parents to provide structure for children during the time that they will be out of school due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Friday (March 12), announced the closure of schools for 14 days beginning Monday (March 16).
Education Ministry To Provide Nutritional Support To PATH Students Amid School Closure
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be providing nutritional support through Nutrition Products Limited to students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) for the period that they will be out of school over the next two weeks.
CPFSA Activates COVID-19 Response Plan
The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) through its Disaster Management Committee, has activated its National Emergency Disaster Protocol as well as its Regional and Location Committees, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The CPFSA, which has oversight of 54 child care facilities, including transitional living complexes, places of safety and children’s homes, is operating in active disaster mode to protect the health and well-being of children in State care, staff and their families.
NPSC launches special helplines initiative for parents
NPSC launches special helplines initiative for parents
The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Victoria Mutual Foundation (VMBS Foundation) and Fight for Peace has launched thirty-six (36) helplines to offer much needed psychosocial care to parents across Jamaica.
NPSC launches special helplines initiative for parents
NPSC launches special helplines initiative for parents
The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Victoria Mutual Foundation (VMBS Foundation) and Fight for Peace has launched thirty-six (36) helplines to offer much needed psychosocial care to parents across Jamaica.
NPSC launches special helplines initiative for parents
NPSC launches special helplines initiative for parents
The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Victoria Mutual Foundation (VMBS Foundation) and Fight for Peace has launched thirty-six (36) helplines to offer much needed psychosocial care to parents across Jamaica.
Education Ministry saddened by murder of VP-Excelsior High School
Ministry Of Education Saddened by Murder of Vice-Principal
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has expressed shock at the tragic news that vice-principal of Excelsior High in Kingston, Mrs Colleen Walker was shot and killed. Police reports indicate that the educator was shot several times on Thursday, April 9 while tending to her garden at home in Queensbury, St. Andrew by a man who approached her on foot.
UPDATED EXTENSION OF EASTER HOLIDAY SCHOOL CLOSURE
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) wishes to advise our stakeholders that under the Disaster Risk Management Act (Enforcement Measures) (No. 3) Orders, 2020, "every educational institution, as defined in the Education Act, shall remain closed until the end of the day of April 21, 2020".
REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS AT THE GRADE ONE LEVEL
The annual Grade One Registration Exercise was scheduled to take place during the period of March to May, 2020. However, this activity, among others has been disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary guidelines issued under the Disaster Risk Management Act (Enforcement Measures) Orders and Instructions 2020.
e-MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR SCHOOL LEADERS
As the education system navigates this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) recognizes the need to support school principals as they seek to continue the effective management of schools from a remote perspective.
CXC Says Safety And Well-Being Of Stakeholders Is First Priority
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Dr. Wayne Wesley, says the body’s number-one priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders, as it prepares to administer examinations in July.
He made the remarks as he addressed a digital media briefing on Thursday (May 14) regarding the administration of this year’s exams.
“All examination centres and invigilators will follow the guidelines of national health protocols as it relates to social distancing, the wearing of masks and sanitisation,” Dr. Wesley said.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE SITTING OF EXIT EXAMINATIONS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, following consultations with its key stakeholders, has made the decision for students to sit the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations. Consistent with changes in assessment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CXC will be using a modified version of its assessment. The modified format will include the administration of paper 01 and SBA/paper 03 supported by appropriate modelling and teachers’ predictive grades. The examinations are scheduled to commence on July 27, 2020.
EXTENSION OF SCHOOL CLOSURE FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020
Further to bulletin 68/2020 regarding Extension of the Easter Holiday School Closure, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) wishes to advise our stakeholders that under the Disaster Risk Management Act (Enforcement Measures) (No. 6) Order 2020: - Every educational institution, as defined in the Education Act, shall remain closed until the end of September 6, 2020. However, schools will continue to operate using the emergency remote teaching approach: distance learning/home-schooling to ensure the continuation of the teaching and learning process.
ACCESS TO ZERO-RATED WEBSITES – ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Further to bulletin 70/2020, regarding Educational Data Plan for Students and Teachers, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) and Digicel Jamaica continues to partner to facilitate access to the internet through the provision of a subsidized data plan and zero-rated data access to frequently used learning platforms and websites. This move is in an effort to ensure the continued distance learning/home-schooling of our students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents, teachers and students will have access to the following zero-rated websites for daily use.
PROGRESSION OF STUDENTS AT THE EARLY CHILDHOOD, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS
The current COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our school calendars and therefore, some of the scheduled school level, national and regional assessments had to be delayed, postponed or cancelled. Notwithstanding the disruptions, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has adopted a responsive approach that aligns with international trends and is in the best interest of our students.
PROGRESSION OF STUDENTS AT THE EARLY CHILDHOOD, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS
The current COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our school calendars and therefore, some of the scheduled school level, national and regional assessments had to be delayed, postponed or cancelled. Notwithstanding the disruptions, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has adopted a responsive approach that aligns with international trends and is in the best interest of our students.
MoEYI mourns passing of retired principal of Immaculate High School, Sister Angella Harris
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has expressed deep sadness at the passing of retired Principal of the Immaculate Conception High School, Sister Angella Harris. Sister Angella passed away on Friday, May 29 after battling cancer.
Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda said Sister Angella has made an immeasurable contribution to education and by extension the nation.
GUIDELINES FOR THE REOPENING OF SCHOOL
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) wishes to remind our stakeholders that students sitting exit examinations (CXC, NCTVET and City & Guilds) will return to school during the period of June 8, 2020 to July 3, 2020. This period should be used to prepare students for the successful sitting of these examinations. School administrators are being assured that the decision taken by the Government to reopen school was done in consultation with key stakeholders and with the endorsement of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW). The MoHW has also
TRANSPORTATION PLAN TO SUPPORT THE REOPENING OF HIGH SCHOOLS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) wishes to remind school administrators to work collaboratively with parents/guardians and other key stakeholders to ensure the safe movement of students to and from school during the period of preparation for and the sitting of all exit examinations: CXC, City and Guilds and NCTVET.
ONE ON ONE ONLINE REFRESHER CLASSES TO SUPPORT CSEC & CAPE STUDENTS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) has engaged the services of One on One Educational Services to provide a Learning Management System through which students have been accessing Live Classes in several subject areas. The Ministry will continue to work with One on One during the period for revision June 8 - July 3, 2020, to provide structured support for students in 17 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects and 16 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) subjects.
CITY & GUILDS OFFERS INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO COVID-AFFECTED STUDENT GRADING ASSESSMENTS
Jamaica, Cayman, Bermuda, Bahamas accept strategy
Existing grades, teachers’ judgements to inform the process
City & Guilds to provide Quality Assurance Experts
The same strategy is being used for grading UK students
William Knibb High Places Emphasis On Mental Health Of Students
Guidance Counsellor at William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny, Carradine Kerr, says the institution is placing emphasis on safeguarding the mental health of students who have returned to school.
Schools across the island were closed in late March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Secondary schools, as of Monday (June 8), were temporarily reopened to facilitate final preparation for the sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), scheduled to get under way on July 13.
PEP 2020 results available Friday afternoon
Student scores and placement for the 2020 Primary Exit Profile (PEP 6) will be available at primary level schools on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Parents and guardians will also be able to access the results online at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2020.
PHASED RESUMPTION PLANS FOR THE REOPENING OF SCHOOL FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021
As we prepare to reopen schools for the new academic year effective September 7, 2020, we are aware that the operational tasks must be strategically managed to ensure the safety of all stakeholders. With this in mind, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has reviewed research, international best practices and has consulted with local and international partners/stakeholders to inform the decisions taken concerning the successful reopening of our schools.
APPROVED CURRICULUM MODELS TO SUPPORT TEACHING AND LEARNING FOR THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 ________________________________________________________________
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information continues to support the national efforts to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Therefore, for the reopening of schools effective September 7, 2020, all stakeholders will be required to implement and observe all the infection, prevention and control measures/safety precautions, including social distancing, without compromise.
BACK TO SCHOOL PARENT ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
The National Parenting Support Commission, an agency of the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information continues to employ efforts to ensure parents remain our solid partner in education, especially as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
We recognise the importance of providing continued support and information to parents as they prepare for the new school year. We know the concerns are many and so clear and key information will assist parents in making pertinent decisions that will promote the best interest of their children.
BACK TO SCHOOL PARENT ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
Regarding the back to school parent engagement sessions, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI)/National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) and the National Parent-Teachers Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) wish to advise our stakeholders that in an effort to mitigate the challenge that was faced by a number of persons not being able to access the Zoom platform due to its capacity, we have decided to Go Live on three social media platforms to ensure that all parents will be facilitated for the remaining sessions.
Our children must not be discriminated against, or deprived of their right to an education on the basis of their hairstyle,” – Prime Minister Andrew Holness
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has noted with concern, the developments surrounding the case of a seven-year-old Jamaican child who was barred from attending school because of the style of her hair.
Education Ministry To Spend $567 Million For Infrastructural Projects
The Government will be spending $567.18 million to carry out infrastructural projects within schools for the 2020/21 period.A previous sum of $1.42 billion had been allocated in the 2020/21 Budget for the Ministry’s capital projects. However, this had to be reduced by 60 per cent when the Budget was adjusted to deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
TEACHER TRAINING INITIATIVE
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has established partnerships with several tertiary institutions focused on continuing to strengthen the capacity of teachers across the education system to:
- Manage Learning Management Systems; and
- Plan lessons and engage students in learning in an online environment
To this end
CAREER ADVANCEMENT PROGRAMME – SIXTH FORM PROGRAMME
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI) continues to implement the K – 13 strategy as part of the effort to ensure that all Jamaican students have access to education from the early childhood to secondary levels of the education system including Grades 12 and 13. In order to support full implementation of the strategy, the Ministry has restructured the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) to be of benefit to all learners in the Sixth Form Cohort in all high schools.
ADMINISTRATION OF JAMAICA SCHOOL CERTIFICATE 2020
Through established partnership and collaboration with various stakeholder groups the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be administering the Jamaica School Certificate assessment a(JSC) during the period Monday, August 24 to Thursday, August 27, 2020 in over 30 centres island wide.
NON-MANDATORY FEE POLICY
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information uses this medium to remind school administrators of the non-mandatory fee policy for Infant, Primary and Secondary Educational Institutions. The non-mandatory fee policy which commenced in September 2016, is not to defund schools but to give schools more resources in support of subvention, special support, maintenance and capital works.
NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) has advised that due to increased work load from the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some delay in the completion of School Medical Examinations for the reopening of school in September 2020.
Consequently, Principals are asked to exercise consideration and allow parents additional time to complete this process. Where efforts can be made to work with the local health centres or medical providers, this is encouraged.
IMMERSION IN PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to thank all teachers for their hard work which resulted in improved phonological awareness and reading abilities of the Grade One students engaged in the Literacy Enrichment Programme. The most recent data set has shown marked improvement and therefore approval is granted for the programme to be fully implemented in the new school year.
IMMERSION IN PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to thank all teachers for their hard work which resulted in improved phonological awareness and reading abilities of the Grade One students engaged in the Literacy Enrichment Programme. The most recent data set has shown marked improvement and therefore approval is granted for the programme to be fully implemented in the new school year.
IMMERSION IN PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to thank all teachers for their hard work which resulted in improved phonological awareness and reading abilities of the Grade One students engaged in the Literacy Enrichment Programme. The most recent data set has shown marked improvement and therefore approval is granted for the programme to be fully implemented in the new school year.
IMMERSION IN PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to thank all teachers for their hard work which resulted in improved phonological awareness and reading abilities of the Grade One students engaged in the Literacy Enrichment Programme. The most recent data set has shown marked improvement and therefore approval is granted for the programme to be fully implemented in the new school year.
Primary schools to receive $50m to procure tablets for needy students
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, the Hon. Karl Samuda says primary schools across the island will be given a total of $50m to procure tablets for needy students.
The tablets will be provided to students who are in need but are not beneficiaries of the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH). Students at the secondary level, who are not on PATH will also be supported.
HOME-SCHOOLING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ________________________________________________________________
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to advise our stakeholders that the Independent Schools’ Unit in the Ministry has the responsibility for the registration, approval and regulation of Home-Schools in Jamaica. Home-schools are governed by the Education Act, 1965, and the Independent Schools’ Regulation 1973.
The Education Act of 1965 (Part III) Section 21 states:
GUIDELINES FOR HOMESCHOOLING
Documents to be Submitted for Home-school Registration
The following documents are required for each child being registered:
1. Completed Application Form
2. Completed National Student Registration System (NSRS) Form (duplicate). Where a child already has a NSRS number a certified copy of the card is to be submitted.
Education Ministry to set up E-Covid Management Task Force
To help to bring greater clarity to the road map for schools’ reopening, The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information announces the creation of an Education Covid 19 Management Task Force (E-Covid) chaired by Minister, the Honourable Fayval Williams.
The E-Covid Task Force will arrive at a consensus on the reopening and management of schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Demographic Data and Geoinformatics to Drive School Reopening
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, with the support of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will use GIS mapping, demographic and health data to drive the safe reopening of schools.
This was among the strategies discussed at a meeting at the Ministry’s National Heroes Circle offices on Wednesday, September 16 called by portfolio Minister, the Honourable Fayval Williams.
Education Minister Calls for Investigation into Exam Anomalies
In light of public concerns and initial observations by The Ministry of Education Youth and Information, Minister, The Honourable Fayval Williams, has written to the Chairman of Caribbean Examination Council, Sir Hillary Beckles requesting a thorough investigation into several anomalies that have been brought to the attention of the Education Ministry.
Education Minister consoles family of dead Rousseau Primary Grade 3 student
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, the Honourable Fayval Williams accompanied by Minister of State, Robert Nesta Morgan and other senior Education Ministry officers today visited the family of nine year-old Bianca Spence to offer condolences and the Ministry’s support, after she succumbed to stab wounds early Saturday morning.
Education Ministry disburses $1.4 Billion to primary and secondary schools
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has disbursed subventions totalling $1.4 billion to primary and secondary schools.
Making the disclosure during a virtual press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St. Andrew on September 22, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, said this represents 100 per cent of the third tranche of regular grants to primary and secondary schools.
“Regular grants for both independent and special-needs schools will be disbursed during next week,” she added.
Back-to-School Grants for Basic Schools
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Early Childhood Commission has commenced the provision of back-to-school grants for basic schools.
Mrs. Williams made the disclosure during a virtual press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, on September 22.
NON-MANDATORY CONTRIBUTION POLICY
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information uses this medium to remind school administrators of the non-mandatory fee policy for Infant, Primary and Secondary Educational Institutions. The implementation of the non-mandatory fee policy which commenced in September 2016, was not to defund schools but to give schools more resources in support of subvention, special support, maintenance and capital works.
Clarification on Face-to-Face Instructions by Independent Schools
The Ministry of Education Youth and Information (MoEYI) wishes to advise that independent schools that received letters from the Ministry of Health and Wellness indicating they have met the standards for certification and reopened their schools on the basis of those letters are not in violation of the MoEYI’s remote learning advisory. The enforcement measures Order under the Disaster Risk Management Act specifically allows in-person instruction.
GOOGLE CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
As the education system continues to operate using the emergency remote/distance learning approach to support the teaching and learning process during the period of physical school closure, The Ministry of Education, Youth & Information (MoEYI) has provided the system with access to a Learning Management System, enabled by Google Suite for Education.
This is a specific domain which gives users access to a collection of applications which support online teaching and learning.
AVAILABILITY OF LEARNING KITS
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to advise its stakeholders that Learning Kits have been developed and are being provided to students in collaboration with the Regional Offices. The Curriculum and Support Services Unit has also provided their monthly Regional Learning Kits that can be accessed from the Regional Offices. These are focused on the primary level (Grades 1-6) and the content covers the following:
Exploratory Core areas that are assessed nationally – Language Arts, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.
REQUEST TO COMPLETE DISTANCE MODALITY DATA SHEET
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, through the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) is cognizant of the need to be agile to adopt traditional practices to online delivery of teaching and learning going forward. The blended approach to teaching and learning has its advantages, particularly to establish equity in education. With this in mind, we are seeking to ascertain the competence of each teacher in using the Learning Management System utilized by his/her school.
Bad weather delays planned face-to-face pilot reopening of schools
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is advising that given prevailing weather conditions, the planned reopening of 17 schools on the pilot face-to-face in-school teaching has been postponed.
This follows on an advisory from the National Meteorological Service that a flash flood warning is in effect for all parishes.
Pilot face-to-face teaching starts today
Sixteen of the seventeen schools selected to participate in the pilot of face-to-face teaching began classes today, Tuesday, November 10. Yallahs High School has asked to begin tomorrow because of flooding on the school grounds. The originally scheduled start for the pilot was delayed yesterday because of inclement weather across the island.
Education Ministry addresses technical issues with launch of Own Your Own Device (OYOD) programme
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information unreservedly apologises for the delay in the system of the application process for the Own Your Own Device Incentive Programme.
The organization that was engaged to develop the system has apologised for the setback. They have assured us that they are working on the technical difficulties and will have the matter addressed as soon as possible.
Education Ministry’s Own Your Own Device (OYOD) programme now live
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to advise the public that the electronic system for the Own Your Own Device (OYOD) incentive programme is now available.
Parents/guardians can access the application at oyod.educate.gov.jm. The application process will close on December 4th.
NATIONAL STUDENT REGISTRATION PROGRAMME - REMINDERS
The National Student Registration System (NSRS), which was established in 2010, has collected detailed and current demographic data on students who are enrolled across the Education System.
Consequently, a nine digit (123 456 789) Student Registration Number (SRN) is now required for all learners and has been provided for all students of Grades 1-13 including private candidates and
students who are home-schooled.
Major Changes Coming to Adoption process and dealing with abandoned babies
Minister of Education, Youth and Information the Hon. Fayval Williams says that there needs to be fundamental changes in how the society and state handle the issues of adoption and abandonment of children.
Thirty (30) receive PM’s Youth Awards for Excellence in Ten Categories
Thirty (30) outstanding young people received awards in ten categories on Sunday, December 13, at the first virtual staging of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence.
No award was presented in the category of Environmental Protection or International Achievement this year.
No Covid 19 signs or positive cases among students / teachers in face-face pilot programme
No student or staff at the pilot schools reopened for the facilitation of face-to-face learning has been identified with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for the virus, according to data reported by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
The seventeen schools that were selected to participate in the pilot of face-to-face teaching, commenced classes between November 10 and 11, and have been continuing since then with no reports of health concerns.
Education Ministry says 129 schools cleared for face-to-face teaching; *Appeals to parents to get students off streets and in classes
Kingston, Jamaica: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, the Honourable Fayval Williams, in underscoring that education is still compulsory, is appealing to parents and the wider community to get children off the streets and engaged in school work using the different modalities available for teaching and learning.
REGISTRATION FOR G-SUITE TRAINING – COHORT 4
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information in collaboration with the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) has been offering a course dubbed ‘TECH-ing it to New Levels in G-Suite’. The course is designed to introduce teachers to the core features of G-Suite for Education and to expose them to the appropriate pedagogy to be employed when developing and delivering lessons using the various applications and tools in G-Suite. The course is offered over 15 hours using a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous methodologies.