Ministry of Education Initiates Early Release Days for Professional Development

In a move to prioritise professional development and enhance the overall learning experience, the Ministry of Education has declared an Early Release Day for students attending public schools on Thursday, November 16.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, highlighted the significance of this initiative, aiming to facilitate collaborative sessions among educators.

Mrs. Crabbe emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to prioritising professional development, stating that Early Release Days will provide teachers with an opportunity to engage in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the designated days.

Explaining the structure of these sessions, Mrs. Crabbe outlined that primary school teachers will convene by grade level, while secondary school educators will assemble by department. Professional Learning Communities are forums for educators to collaboratively enhance their professional skills and focus on improving academic performance.

Mrs. Crabbe emphasised that these learning communities go beyond mere meetings, serving as platforms for teachers and administrators to share expertise, analyse data, discuss teaching strategies, and collectively work towards improving student learning outcomes. The overarching goal is continuous improvement, where members collaboratively seek solutions, share best practices, and support each other’s professional growth.

Highlighting the broader objectives, Mrs. Crabbe stated, “It’s not just about meetings; it’s about building stronger teacher capacity, fostering collaboration across schools, and ensuring that new teachers receive the support they need to thrive. It’s all about the success of our students and a brighter future for education in our community.”

The Early Release Days are scheduled for November 16, January 24, and June 19, 2024. Parents are kindly requested to collect their children promptly at 2:00 p.m. on these selected days. The Ministry has also arranged for buses to pick up students on the approved days, further demonstrating its commitment to reimagining education in the Virgin Islands under the mantra of “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”