Education ministry to focus on reading for 2012 academic year in hopes of improving literacy in the territory according to Acting CEO Jillian Douglas-Phillip. Photo: VINO/file

Mrs. Douglas-Phillip gave these statements on August 27, 2012, at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.  

In brief remarks, she stated that during this year’s summer (2012), a number of teachers were asked, “What is the most prevalent problem that in their own opinion, exists in the educational system; what is the most problematic topic?” 

She added that the questions were tailored according to the experience level of the teacher, but the answers where generally the same. 

According to Mrs. Douglas-Phillip the subject ‘reading/reading comprehension’ was very problematic to the students. 

She stated that the Ministry of Education also has evidence, to go along with the teachers’ concluded answers. 

“We gathered evidence from the national assessments and from the graduation ceremonies; it is a sad situation,” she said, in regards to the students who weren’t eligible to graduate because of their poor reading skills and low grades. 

In light of this, she stated that this year, they will be focusing on reading in the schools, in an effort to improve literacy in the territory. 

To push forward this initiative, a unit of reading specialists will travel to the various schools to help those specific students with their reading. 

She added that eventually the programme will be extended to all students who have reading difficulties.