The Tribune

THE opening of a special needs school and a new teacher training institute are two of four “major initiatives” set to come on stream this school year, according to Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald.

Giving his back-to-school address on Monday night, Mr Fitzgerald noted the accomplishments of the past year – including computer laboratory upgrades – and spoke of plans for the future.

“We recognise that leadership and instruction are only two of the areas we have to address going forward.

“Part lies with the decision making at the top; hence this year you will see the introduction of four major initiatives, which we anticipate will have a tremendous impact on our educational system,” he said

“The opening of a special needs school at the former Our Lady’s Catholic School. The school will be a centre for intervention, training, teaching and research for mild to more serious learning challenges. We expect it to be the envy of the region.

“The opening of The Mable Walker Professional Development Institute. It will provide continuous training of teachers, administrators, curriculum officers and education employees at all levels. This institute will be open to both public and private school personnel.

“The introduction of the Standardised Graduation Diploma. This will establish a benchmark for what is considered a minimum basic education that every child should obtain before leaving the school system and will include standards for civics, punctuality and community service.”

Also, he said, the establishment of T G Glover Primary as a Research and Development School that work with the College of the Bahamas to ensure that decisions in education are “based on research and intervention strategies that work for us”.

Mr Fitzgerald said he is “unflinching” in his belief that the government has made significant steps to advance education.

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis also released his own back-to-school message, in which he implored parents to “develop a renewed interest in the welfare and well being in your children’s personal and spiritual lives, and in their education”.

He said to the nation’s teachers: “This is a difficult era for those of you who have chosen such a noble profession. I encourage you to persevere. Be a positive example in the lives of our children.

“Please be especially compassionate to those children, who on account of poverty, sickness or other problems may be unable to concentrate effectively on their studies. Show care, concern and sympathy. You’ll never know the impact that you can have, not only in their lives but in the lives of every member of our community.”