The first prioritisation session for the Education Development Plan 2025-2030 was held on Tuesday 7th May 2025. Permanent Secretary, Dr Bonnie Richardson-Lake chaired the working session which was spearheaded by Mrs Dawn Reid, Educational Services Planner and her support team.
Participants at the prioritisation session included Education Officers, the ALHCS Senior Management Team, primary school principals, principals from the private and Early Childhood sector, as well as Curriculum Officers and other education officials.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Mrs Shellya Rogers-Webster also participated, taking a very hands-on approach with this important activity. She first laid out the pillars of the Ministry of Education’s resource focus; namely, Early Childhood Education, Special Education Needs, Vocational Training and Teacher Professional Development. Additionally, the Honourable Minister dedicated her time exclusively for the prioritisation activity over the four-hour session.
Educational Services Planner, Mrs Reid laid out the objectives for the session. The Education Task Force report was used as the basis for discussion. The aim was to assess progress, confirm the key focus areas for the next five years along with desired outcomes, identify challenges, develop solutions or strategies for problem mitigation, and suggest ways to evaluate progress.
The Department of Education provided a comprehensive response to the Education Task Force report, suggesting addenda to each of its four action plans; which covered Teachers, Secondary Students,
Primary Students, and Educational Leadership. This review was presented by Mrs Rita Celestine Carty, Education Officer, Human Resource Management and Professional Development.
Participants then convened into four breakout groups to discuss the areas that had emerged as most important. These were Quality of Teaching, Relationships with Parents, Resources and Student Engagement. Each group reported back to the wider body. Questions and comments were entertained to ensure clarity. The next steps will be an initial compilation of the Education Development Plan 2025-2030, to be followed by an opportunity for a feedback session. If there are substantial issues, a second working session may be required. The aim is to ensure that the Education Development Plan 2025-2030 is launched by summer 2025 to guide the new school year.
