Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, says the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) Report, which has identified deficiencies in the sector, is an indication that gaps need to be filled in the system.

The Report, which assessed the operation of nearly 1,000 schools, found glaring weaknesses in school leadership and management, and faulty teaching/learning methods.

It also found that strong security and wellness programmes exist at many of the nation’s secondary educational institutions, as well as a high level of awareness among students on relevant issues.

Speaking at the launch of the Report, held on Tuesday, September 15, at the Overseas Examinations Commission, in St. Andrew, the Minister said no time should be wasted in casting blames for deficiencies in the education system, as all efforts must be made to deliver results for students.

“That is why we have to take these reports very seriously; that is why we don’t want any argument that it is not my fault as teacher, or my responsibility, because the home is not right,” the Minister told the audience.

He argued that although challenges at some homes might affect the learning of children, there is a responsibility for teachers and Ministry officials to give of their best.

“We still have to do our duty, we have to stop making excuses, and we have to stop finding a problem for every solution. Our task is to add value. We now have the empirical tool to do so, there is no excuse,” the Minister emphasised.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector, Maureen Dwyer, said her team of inspectors found that where school leadership focus on the core business of education, staff was inspired, and children eager to learn.

“Those leaders were the ones who made the balance between the social side of things, and the academic learning,” she said.

The mandate of the NEI is to assess the standards attained by the students in primary and secondary schools at key points in their education, and to report on how well they perform, or improve.

The NEI makes recommendations to the Ministry of Education to support improvement in the provision of quality education. 

Source link: http://jis.gov.jm/education-minister-says-nei-report-shows-that-gaps-need-to-be-filled/