PRIORITY AREAS FOR EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION ANNOUNCED

BY MINISTER OF EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION CHAD BLACKMAN

Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman has outlined an ambitious plan to reform Barbados’ education system, with the ultimate aim of making every school—particularly at the secondary level—an outstanding institution.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday during the release of this year’s Common Entrance Examination results, Blackman highlighted five priority areas driving the Ministry’s education transformation agenda: raising student achievement, improving teacher quality, modernising school infrastructure, enhancing the Ministry’s internal operations, and revising the legal framework governing education. He noted that work is already underway across all five areas.

As part of the infrastructure upgrade, schools are being redesigned using submissions from a national competition, with emphasis placed on climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

Teacher training is being strengthened through expanded workshops at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. In addition, plans are advancing to establish a Teaching Service Commission, a Leadership Institute, and an independent body for quality assurance in education.

Blackman also revealed that a comprehensive review of the Education Act and its supporting regulations is currently in progress. The revised legislation will address critical areas such as special education, psychosocial support, social-emotional learning, and overall quality standards.

He stressed the importance of moving away from outdated practices, stating, “It cannot be business as usual. Every secondary school must create a learning environment that we can all take pride in.”