Bahamas News

Education officials have completed the latest draft of a new strategic plan for education, saying the government will over the next 10 years establish a national lottery to fund education in The Bahamas.

“The bulk of monies in education’s budget is allotted to personal emoluments,” the plan says.

“This trend will continue as it reflects the need to reward our human resources with the salaries they deserve for the import duties performed. However, for the education system to improve on a consistent basis, efforts must be made to seek legitimate and creative sources of funding which will be needed for the construction of educational facilities, the further development of instructional programmes and the purchase of tuition supplies.”

Education officials also say the government will address funding issues in education by working closely with CARICOM countries to address common education challenges, thereby reducing costs.

It also says the government will mandate school districts to support and co-ordinate the development of school programmes for profit; build a profit-making, multi purpose conference centre to host very large public and private events and implement systems of financial accountability at the school and district levels among other things.

The proposed education plan notes that over the years the school system has seen a decline in the number of qualified Bahamians entering the teaching profession. It says this has contributed to undesirable increases in student-teacher ratios in certain school districts.

As part of addressing this problem, the plan says the government will provide scarcity allowance for teachers in subjects where the supply is limited; ensure that no more than 10 percent of teachers are teaching outside their fields; compensate teachers for production of indigenous learning materials and quality educational research; review and revamp the career path system for public school teachers and provide full scholarships to outstanding students enrolled in the School of Education at the College of The Bahamas.

The plan would mandate that all students receive instruction in Bahamian history, heritage and current affairs. Education officials also plan to form subject based curriculum advisory councils, comprising teachers, students, ministry officials and other key stakeholders to provide guidance and support for the curriculum revision process.

The plan also commits to outfitting all secondary schools with cafeterias and auditoriums, and expanding the role of school boards in the maintenance of schools.

“Large class sizes, new housing developments, the cessation of social promotion and specialized instructional programmes will continue to create the need for additional classroom space and construction of new schools,” the document says.

“Moreover, there are many government school buildings which, as a result of age and neglect, are in a state of disrepair. Consequently, there is a need for the government to implement a systematic classroom expansion and school construction plan.”

The proposed education plan also addresses the issue of school violence.

“Unfortunately, over the last three years, some schools have become unsafe and the well-being of many students and teachers has been threatened,” it says.

“This has negatively affected the teaching/learning process, interpersonal relations and overall school climate. In order to reverse this trend all stakeholders must be committed to fostering a culture of peace. Therefore, over the next 10 years, greater efforts will be made to mobilize all the necessary resources to create safe schools.”

The plan says the government will install closed circuit TV systems in secondary schools; review policies on suspension and expulsion; further develop alternative educational and training programmes for at-risk students; establish safety protocols at all education facilities and improve pre and in-service training for security personnel.

The plan also targets the reduction of school sizes to a maximum of 800 students at the primary level and 1,000 students at the secondary level.

Additionally, it focuses on developing civic responsibility and a strong work ethic among students.

Source: Bahama Journal