Education
Arlene Smith-Thompson Raises Alarm Over Reading Literacy Gap in Virgin Islands School System
Arlene Smith Thompson, a passionate education advocate, delivered a captivating speech on September 7 to the Rotary Club of Central Tortola, shedding light on the urgent need to bridge the widening literacy gap among young students in the Virgin Islands.
With valuable insights and personal anecdotes, Thompson emphasized the crucial role of literacy in fostering lifelong learning and achievements. Drawing from her consultations with education experts, she shed light on the pressing literacy challenges faced by students in the Virgin Islands and proposed potential solutions.
Thompson’s deep connection to the issue of literacy stems from her family background. Growing up with a mother who was a dedicated primary school educator, she was instilled with the belief that literacy is fundamental to success. Thompson’s son, Khalil, also experienced the frustration of teaching English to students who struggled with reading and comprehension. These personal experiences have fueled Thompson’s unwavering commitment to closing the literacy gap among young learners.
The literacy gap, particularly in reading, has become a cause for concern within the Virgin Islands school system. While the overall literacy rate in the BVI stands at an impressive 97%, Thompson highlighted the presence of low academic attainment and underachievement among certain demographics of young students. If left unaddressed, these literacy deficits can have long-term negative consequences for these students.
Thompson further emphasized that the global COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the 2017 hurricanes have exacerbated literacy deficiencies among students in the Virgin Islands. Citing a 2018 United Nations report, she pointed out that more than half of children and youth worldwide struggle to achieve proficiency in reading and math. Although the scale of the problem may be larger in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia, the Caribbean region also faces challenges with substandard literacy rates in certain communities and school systems.
According to Thompson, one significant factor contributing to the literacy gap is the allure of the internet and social media platforms, which compete for students’ attention alongside a multitude of apps and games. She also highlighted the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which poses a threat to literacy skills and the intellectual development of future generations. Additionally, shorter attention spans among students in classrooms and a lack of interest in traditional texts and literature with lengthy passages contribute to the literacy gap. Students are more drawn to selective readings online that relate to their daily lives.
Thompson further emphasized the lack of commitment to controlled reading as an activity in some schools and the absence of structured reading activities in many homes. She noted that communities lacking libraries, including mobile ones, face challenges in promoting purposeful reading.
Recognizing the need for standardized data collection to accurately assess the current literacy challenges, Thompson highlighted the Ministry of Education’s plans to implement standardized literacy testing from Grades 1 to 12 in public schools. Private institutions have already adopted their own systems for testing literacy levels. Data collection from preschools and the revival of after-school programs in communities are also part of the efforts to address the literacy gap.
Thompson commended Rotary International for its contributions to literacy awareness campaigns in the Virgin Islands, including book drives, outdoor libraries, and spelling bee competitions. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Rotary and educational organizations to effectively address the literacy gap.
As the Ministry of Education prepares to celebrate Reading is Fun Week, Thompson urged Rotary International to support the initiative by donating books by local authors and working towards modernizing school libraries or creating library spaces within classrooms. She also highlighted the need for durable library carts in schools and educational games for older students to stimulate their interest in purposeful reading.
Thompson concluded by emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes to effectively close the literacy gap. She highlighted the need for sustained commitment between governmental and civil society organizations, encompassing advocacy and policy development, awareness and mobilization, community-based programs, partnerships and collaboration, technology and digital literacy, teacher training and capacity building, and monitoring and advocacy.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, under guidance from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), has mandated the closure of all public schools across the British Virgin Islands today. This precautionary measure prioritises the safety of students, teachers, and staff amid predictions of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and cloudy spells expected to impact the region throughout the day.
In a statement addressed to parents and community members, the Ministry underscored the importance of safety given the unpredictable nature of the weather conditions. “Students and teachers are asked to remain at home,” Hoyles stated. “We encourage teachers to provide assignments through online platforms where feasible, though some areas may face disruptions due to power outages.”
The closure decision comes as the DDM anticipates potential hazards posed by the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with risks to transportation and infrastructure. To mitigate these impacts, officials are urging residents to monitor updates closely and take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
The DDM and Ministry officials will continue to assess the weather conditions throughout the day. Parents and guardians are advised to keep updated through official government communications. For any inquiries, the Ministry can be reached at (284) 468-2151 or via their website at www.bvi.gov.vg.
The winners of the annual Primary and Secondary Schools Anti-Bullying Speech Competition were celebrated during an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, October 16, at Elmore Stoutt High School. The competition, which aims to raise awareness and promote positive actions against bullying, saw impressive speeches from students across the Territory.
In the primary school division, Amiah Chang of Claudia Creque Educational Centre Primary claimed the top prize, with John Claude Vergara from St. George’s Primary School finishing in second place. Marla-Monae Gray of Jost Van Dyke Primary School earned third place.
In the secondary school category, Yasmeen Said of St. George’s Secondary Division won first place. Carey-Ann McKie from Bregado Flax Educational Centre came in second, while Adrianne Thomas from Elmore Stoutt High School placed third.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports congratulated all participants, highlighting their contributions to the Territory’s anti-bullying campaign. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment, and thanked the students for their efforts in spreading awareness about the importance of eliminating bullying in schools.
This initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader goal to reimagine education in the Virgin Islands, creating safe spaces where students can thrive both academically and socially.
Education
Virgin Islands Ministry of Education Launches Professional Development Series for Educators
The Ministry of Education in the Virgin Islands has launched a comprehensive Professional Development Series for educators, in collaboration with the Institute of Education at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). This initiative, which began in September and will run through January 2025, aims to equip teachers with modern tools, strategies, and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of students.
Acting Chief Education Officer, Orlandette Crabbe, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing educator support, stating, “Professional development for educators remains a top priority, as we continue our commitment to reimagining education in the Virgin Islands. By investing in our teachers, we ensure they are equipped with the most up-to-date tools and strategies to meet the evolving needs of their students.”
Crabbe also underscored the importance of the collaboration with HLSCC, noting that the partnership has been pivotal in building the capacity of Virgin Islands educators. “We look forward to future initiatives that will further strengthen this partnership and continue supporting the professional growth of our teachers,” she added.
The series offers sessions covering a range of critical topics, including innovative teaching techniques, classroom management, technology integration, and student engagement practices. These topics were chosen based on feedback from educators, ensuring relevance to the needs identified at all levels of the education system.
Sessions are designed in a multi-part format, allowing educators to explore concepts in depth and apply them in their classrooms. Participants will gain insights, actionable strategies, and valuable resources, with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Additionally, the program fosters peer collaboration, encouraging the exchange of experiences and the cultivation of a professional growth culture among teachers.
Importantly, the Professional Development Series is being offered at no cost to educators, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to making continuous learning accessible and impactful.
Stephen Joseph, the newly appointed Director of the Institute of Education at HLSCC, expressed enthusiasm for leading the initiative. “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to empower educators in the Virgin Islands. The Institute of Education is dedicated to advancing innovative and inclusive education practices,” Joseph said.
He added, “Our mission is to prepare teachers who are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for social justice and community engagement. This Professional Development Series exemplifies our commitment to fostering teaching excellence and improving educational standards across the Territory.”
Educators interested in the series can register by scanning the QR code in the program flyer or using the provided registration link. For more information, educators are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Education or the HLSCC Institute of Education.
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