Curriculum changing for a custom experience in TCI Education system

#Providenciales, July 29, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A tailor-made education curriculum is under construction and will impact learners at the primary and early secondary school levels first, according to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Library and Social Services which is supported by the European Union in this bold initiative.

The Education Sector Plan 2018-2022 reports that: “Deliberation on the new curriculum approach will lead to ‘A curriculum that is relevant to the children of TCI’. The Executive Summary of the 2006 to 2010 Plan says that the ‘curriculum is in need of updating to improve its relevance to TC Islanders facing the demands of the 21st Century’ and that it should ‘speak to the needs of diverse communities in TCI’ whilst displaying ‘sensitivity to the culture of the TCI.”

Improving Curriculum and Strategies for Assessment is the impetus for the changes. A major difference this academic year is the final run of the Grade Six Achievement Test or GSAT. Replacing the GSAT is CPEA or Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment and for secondary schools the CCSLC or Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence will be introduced. These changes are expected to lead to more project-based learning.

The curriculum changes will also put greater emphasis on: food, nutrition and fitness; stronger focus on family life, literacy; guidance and counselling and the introduction of TCI studies. Students will develop portfolios; students will learn how to set assessment papers and grade them themselves and they will develop greater responsibility for their learning and help to direct that process,” said Director of Education, Edgar Howell.

The Education Sector Plan points to assessment and within the Education Sector Plan, the various types of assessments, such as Cognitive Assessment Tests are identified. Training in how to assess students will be provided to all teachers and in some cases and there will be assessments for identification of hindrances to healthy learning in children. 

There will also be full implementation of the screening, early identification, and referral system (SEIRS) for all students 0-2, 4 and 6 years of age and the Ministry will conduct bio-psycho-social assessment for students with special education needs.

Some of the areas to be monitored towards achieving the objectives the Education Sector Plan include: schools offering HIV and sexuality education; students transitioning from one grade level to the next; measurement of the dropout rate and regular reviews of how students are adapting to the curriculum changes.

“Improving the Education System in the TCI…..Together we can do it”

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