Education transformation process inches forward

 

The Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) is reporting 23% progress in the implementation of the 365 recommendations contained in the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) report. 

 

This is up from 22% progress reported in January. 

 

Addressing a press conference at the University of the West Indies regional headquarters at Mona, Chairman of ETOC, Dr. Adrian Stokes, pointed out that the Jamaica Teaching Council Bill, which was lagging, is now on track. 

 

The Chairman said seven initiatives are finalised for the reporting period, which brings to 15 the total number of initiatives finalised since the report project started. 

 

"We are happy that the standards and guidelines for micro credentials have been developed and operationalised. These will be used to assess and place these qualifications on the national qualifications framework of Jamaica and to allow JTEC to archive them in the qualifications registry of Jamaica. So that's an important milestone for the ministry. Of note, the provision to assess services to children with disabilities and behaviour disorders is now included in the data sets of schools and the NEI [National Education Inspectorate] reports," he disclosed. 

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Stokes said the Early Childhood Development Cross-Sectional Oversight body has been re-established with 13 members including the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education. 

 

He said the first meeting was held in February. 

 

Launched in July 2020, the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission, chaired by Professor Orlando Patterson, was mandated to comprehensively review and assess Jamaica's education system, including its structure, operation and processes, and to recommend an action plan for change.