The date for the Grade
Six Achievement Test (GSAT) has been changed.
Schools were initially advised in the regular calendar of events sent out last June that the proposed dates for the sitting of the examination were March 18 and 19.
However, Michael Stewart, President of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) revealed on RJR's daily current affairs programme Beyond the Headlines Wednesday evening that the change of date has been communicated to some schools.
In a release Thursday morning, Colin Blair, Director of Communications in the Ministry of Education advised that the dates were changed after it became clear that due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts March 18 and 19 were not good dates for the staging of the test.
However Mr. Blair said the date for the release of the GSAT results remains June 18.
PATH funds to be disbursed soon
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is trying to downplay reports that the government has been tardy in paying over millions of dollars in Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) benefits to several state-run schools.
On Wednesday, the JTA raised alarm bells regarding the delayed disbursement.
Mr. Stewart said it was negatively impacting on school attendance and the nutritional needs of students.
However Mr. Blair said the funds should be released to the schools in a matter of days.
"Essentially, we've not gotten the funds warranted. We're to get the funds by the end of the month and schools will get the money by the latest, the first week of February."
He added that the new time period is not late as grants are normally disbursed around this time.
Schools were initially advised in the regular calendar of events sent out last June that the proposed dates for the sitting of the examination were March 18 and 19.
However, Michael Stewart, President of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) revealed on RJR's daily current affairs programme Beyond the Headlines Wednesday evening that the change of date has been communicated to some schools.
In a release Thursday morning, Colin Blair, Director of Communications in the Ministry of Education advised that the dates were changed after it became clear that due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts March 18 and 19 were not good dates for the staging of the test.
However Mr. Blair said the date for the release of the GSAT results remains June 18.
PATH funds to be disbursed soon
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is trying to downplay reports that the government has been tardy in paying over millions of dollars in Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) benefits to several state-run schools.
On Wednesday, the JTA raised alarm bells regarding the delayed disbursement.
Mr. Stewart said it was negatively impacting on school attendance and the nutritional needs of students.
However Mr. Blair said the funds should be released to the schools in a matter of days.
"Essentially, we've not gotten the funds warranted. We're to get the funds by the end of the month and schools will get the money by the latest, the first week of February."
He added that the new time period is not late as grants are normally disbursed around this time.
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