For every single child to have “a fair and a fighting chance for a bright future in this country”, the education system must cater to them, regardless of their age, social and economic status, and learning strengths and deficits.
This was emphasised today by Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney, as she addressed those gathered at the Collymore Rock Church of the Nazarene, St. Michael, to mark the start of Education Month 2023.
Ms. McConney stressed it must be a system that “looks out for all children”, is child centred and focused on catering to each child’s individual needs, once identified. Adding that the days of guessing as to why a child is not learning should be put “behind us”, she said the Ministry needs to be putting the resources in place to ensure the proper diagnosis is done and the right intervention made at the right time.
The Education Minister also noted that it entailed making space for every child in every classroom, including children of mixed ability in the same learning spaces and providing the right supports for them to be able to thrive and their teachers to be able to address their situations.
She added that it was about making every child feel valued in schools where all types of intelligence and all different styles of learning are not just valued but are validated in the way in which children are engaged in the learning process.
Ms. McConney stated that “a bright future for every child” meant that quality instruction should be offered to them, where teachers are trained to meet their varied needs, including accommodating for those with exceptional and special needs.
“It means treating every child equitably, where one size fits all for instruction in a particular subject has to shift to a more personalised educational plan for the particular child,” she pointed out.
Noting that not all children learn the same way or at the same pace, she said educators had to be able to commit to having targeted programmes and varied instructional approaches catering to diversity in the classroom.
She also underscored the importance of a change in the education system, saying it was time to move away from the “good school/bad school” mentality and instead take time to determine how each child learns and do better in delivering instruction in a way that makes learning easier, more fun and enjoyable.
Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, echoing similar sentiments, said while Barbados’ education system had generally served the country well, there was a need to utilise more equitable approaches to allow all students to see their full potential.
Urging all to continue on with education transformation, which seeks to revolutionise the education system to make it fit for purpose, nationally, regionally and globally, she added: “Let us also endeavour to connect with our partners in a way that echoes our core values of collaboration, people centredness, responsiveness, [and] results-oriented.”
Dr. Archer-Bradshaw also reminded board members, principals and management teams that effective leadership was critical to the success of students, and that they should continue managing the operations of their plant, chart intervention strategies to facilitate student learning, and commit to levels of communication with all partners.
The students were encouraged to “grasp every opportunity to learn more, to do better, and to be better”. The theme for Education Month 2023 is A Bright Future For Every Child.