#BTColumn – Build a solid education

When an education system is performing optimally, society thrives and remains civil. An education system is a complex multipurpose knowledge network that prepares and qualifies individuals for work. It enriches relationships and teaches character, morals, and values.

That process benefits from building a strong foundation that takes patience and time. Without a strong foundation, built floor by floor, and block-by-block, there will be little or nothing of value to admire and celebrate.

Immediate response to issues saves money, reduces the cost of effort, prevents deep and lasting fractures, and sustains performance.

For education systems, this effort includes: active holistic evaluation of schools, referencing studies and research, teacher retraining, and exchange programs. In this environment schools are live wires; and, administrators, students, and teachers are empowered.

However, when reform is done periodically the risk and stakes multiply. Closure becomes the only option. COVID  is an example of a system stress test.  It is a fair measure of preparedness and resilience. If anyone wonders why anxiety and frustration are high, look no further than the isolation factor.

COVID confirms that socialisation is a primary education need. Learning English, Math, and Latin though important, are secondary. COVID has also shown that response to change is complex and difficult. In today’s technological world, it is generally agreed that every student should have a tablet or access to one.  Yet, one year later, in many situations, they are still without this learning mechanism.

Barbados has no permanent independent institution or an education commission or commissioner.  Its education system is largely government-led and run. This in itself adds another piece to any reorganisation.

It is difficult to police and arbitrate one self at the same time. Then there is the question of political will.  Studies and reports are buried in file thirteen.

The 1982 Education Act was successfully challenged legally, yet thirty-eight years it remains on the books without alteration. Many other questions require answers, e.g: how did coeducation impact male students and sports performance?  Does the success of Springer Memorial school (an all-girls school) in sports and academics make the case for at least two all-male – and other all-girls schools?

Barbadians, by way of referendum or planned surveys are yet to tell what kind of Barbados they want. On the other hand, recent protests suggest that a group of Barbadians appear to abhor colonialism and despise slavery.  However, what Barbadians do not want, is not a solid foundation upon which, to reform any education system.

Having considered all things, in the short term, reformists should:

(1) Accept that primary school education is a critical cog of the system.

(2) Appoint an education czar – and five regional commissioners.

(3) Propose a brief that should at least include, holistic school performance; student assessment alternatives; teacher assessment methods and protocols; teachers as mentors and coaches; afterschool and private tutoring, and parenting, and curricula.

(4) Consult primary school teachers and parents and education officials.

On approval the recommendations of the czar, the working group should implement the program as the first stage of establishing a permanent education support group.

The data of 11 plus exams confirm that the current level of primary school education places all the other stages at risk.  If 75 per cent of students taking the 11 plus receive a passing grade, that achievement will reduce many of the secondary issues.

The bundle of issues is large. Many are hidden. The only place to begin reform is at the beginning. Let’s build a solid education foundation for Barbadian youth.