Answers needed on education – DLP

The Democratic Labour Party today charged that parents, students and teachers are still in the dark about the proposed return to school next month and insisted that taxpayers deserve no less than clear answers.

In a strong statement, the party accused Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw of “boasting about the successes of meetings with teachers which were poorly attended and which by her admission yielded no concrete results.

“The new school term is four weeks away and parents, students and teachers are no clearer regarding what to expect,” the party argued.

Claiming that there has been no clear policy direction in the education ministry over the last two years which will be funded by some $500 million of taxpayers’ dollars this financial year, the DLP insisted that the “lack of clarity within our educational system despite ample time and global examples to assist in local decision-making is unacceptable”.

The party also weighed in on the public disagreement between education authorities and the island’s teachers’ unions on the ministry’s handling of the talks claiming the signals are “troubling”. The party raised concern about Bradshaw’s decision to proceed with the meetings despite the concern expressed by the workers’ representatives and challenged the minister to clear the air on several issues including a proposed “blended approach” to classes.

“Are the teachers prepared for whatever this is and have the facilities and equipment at our schools been upgraded and enhanced to facilitate such?

“Overcrowding is a perennial challenge. What is the decision regarding large classes? Will masks be compulsory all day?”, the party asked.

The DLP also called for clarity on Government’s Google G Suite TechDrive for Education Project launched earlier this year to ensure all students had access to devices to participate in online classes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic

“How many students will benefit from the technology acquired? How many devices were sourced and how will they be distributed?

“Can the Minister of Education tell Barbados how many students did not have access to the online teaching during the last term and explain to us what measures are being put in place to ensure that no child is left behind this coming year?”

The party stressed that full disclosure and firm direction are required.
(BT)