The following press release has been issued by the Minister of Education, the Hon. Evans McNeil Rogers.

The Government of Anguilla recognises that education plays a fundamental role in helping to determine the character of Anguillian society, its rate of change and direction of development into the 21st Century. As articulated in the Education Policy document, Government’s mandate for education is underpinned by:

Hon. Evans Rogers

the belief that all human beings have a right to education;
one that will help them to be productive members of society,
and also be able to enjoy the benefits of the society.

The Comprehensive System of Education was introduced to Anguilla in 1986. The Ministry of Education has embarked on an initiative to conduct a review of that system. The purpose of the Review is to examine the comprehensive education system and report on its adequacy in meeting Anguilla’s needs and the options for ongoing reform. It will inform the preparation of the Ministry’s Education Development Plan 2010 through 2015. It will also help to develop a long-term vision for education into the next decade and beyond.

To implement this initiative, a Review Team has been established. The team is being led by Mr. Osmond Petty. Mr. Petty has a wealth of experience in Educational Research Methods, Curriculum Research and Advanced Statistical Research Methods. He has worked as project manager on several projects under the auspices of the OECS, the European Union, the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank; has lectured at the University of the West Indies and has written various papers, articles and books on education-related matters. Other team members include well known local experts – Mr. David Carty who has expertise in the area of technical education, Mrs. Ijahnya Christian who has a strong background in the area of pastoral care and Ms Shellecia Brooks an accomplished graduate of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School who brings a youth perspective to the exercise.

The review will:
1. Examine current approaches in the delivery of comprehensive education addressing issues including:

• attendance

• retention rates

• skills development

• academic performance

• pastoral care

2. Assess the extent to which the comprehensive education system meets the goals and mandates set out in the Education Policy 2002 and if necessary, make recommendations as to how those goals and mandates can be met.

3. Examine and make recommendations on the following aspects of education at A.L.H.C.S.:

• Pastoral development, guidance and care;

• Roles, Responsibilities and Governance (organization and structure (including organization of instructional groups), planning, decision making, communication, supervision and management);

• Financial management;

• Human resource development (teacher qualification, professional training, performance appraisal, succession planning, conditions of service);

4. Assess relevance of the curriculum to student needs and its responsiveness to developments in society to equip graduates for the knowledge economy and society;

5. Examine and make recommendations for short term and system wide approaches to improving inappropriate behaviour;

6. Examine and make recommendations for strengthening the effectiveness of partnerships and linkages the school has with other agencies;

7. Examine the financing of secondary education and make recommendations on improvements or alternatives;

8. Review current skills and propose strategies for equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills to create an innovative learning culture amongst their students;

9. Examine the physical structure of A.L.H.C.S. (all campuses) and make recommendations on improvements to ensure it is conducive to learning;

10. Generally review and make recommendations for improving the delivery of education and achieving quality learning outcomes for all students.

All stakeholders including the general public are asked to cooperate with members of the Review Team as they seek to carry out this exercise. The Review Team is expected to deliver its final report on September 11th 2009.

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