Education expert hails literacy push amid ongoing crisis

Barbados faces a stark literacy crisis, with rates far below the 99 per cent mark once claimed, said a literacy expert who suggested 2025 brought a pivotal national drive to ensure every child can read by age seven, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education’s Project SOAR.

Founder of I-Teach Transformative Knowledge Solutions Ltd, Shawntelle Morgan, says 2025 marked a consequential year for education, particularly in the national push to address long-standing literacy challenges among school-aged children.

Reflecting on the year’s developments, Morgan told Barbados TODAY that the Ministry of Educational Transformation’s renewed emphasis on literacy signalled a meaningful shift, especially with the introduction of Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), which implemented daily reading blocks across primary schools.

The initiative, along with minister Chad Blackman’s stated goal of ensuring every child can read by the age of seven, represented a much-needed change in direction following years of declining literacy and numeracy outcomes, she said.

‘We have seen a renewed focus on literacy in a real and serious way,” Morgan said. “A lot of programmes are being put in place, and the signals are clear — we are aware that there is a literacy deficit in this country.”

“We are also aware that we have not had a 99 per cent literacy rate for some time, and in the midst of educational transformation, there is now a real push to address that.”

She described the ministry’s acknowledgement of the issue as a positive step but stressed that long-term success would depend on data-driven decision-making, rather than the introduction of programmes alone.

“I think it’s a good initiative on the part of the ministry to recognise that we need to do more where literacy is concerned,” she said. “But what I would like to see is more data-driven decision-making, because we don’t just want exciting programmes… we want programmes that meet learners where they are.”

Morgan said a stronger focus on assessment is critical if literacy interventions are to be effective.

“What I would like to see going into 2026 is more assessment to determine students’ literacy levels, and then tailoring programmes based on what those assessments reveal,” she explained. “You have to know where the child is before you can meet their needs.”

She also called for a broader understanding of literacy beyond basic reading skills, noting that comprehension and critical thinking must be central to education reform.

“Literacy is a continuum. It’s not just about phonics or learning to read. We need a strong focus on reading comprehension, critical thinking and analysis. That’s really the foundation for creating the global citizens we keep talking about,” Morgan said.

With the education system increasingly moving toward digital platforms, Morgan noted that the shift away from traditional textbooks presents both opportunities and challenges.

“I know we’re moving toward more online resources, but those resources must be interactive,” she said. “They should allow teachers to differentiate instruction and give students multiple ways to demonstrate what they know — whether through hands-on activities, creating models, grammar exercises or other forms of expression.”

She added that such approaches would also help address behavioural issues that often stem from students’ inability to express what they know.

“Sometimes a child is labelled as disruptive or uninterested, when in reality they just can’t demonstrate their knowledge in the way that’s being asked,” Morgan said. “We need greater understanding and empathy from teachers, and a shift in mindset about how learning looks in the classroom.”

She stressed the importance of multi-sensory instruction and more engaging lessons that cater to different learning styles, noting that this could significantly improve student confidence and classroom behaviour.

“I’m looking for lessons that allow children to use all their senses, where they feel comfortable, confident and capable,” she said. “That’s how we build well-rounded students who see value in themselves beyond traditional measures of success.”

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb