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Education Officials refute Ashley’s Learning Center claims; announce no solution to its pending closure

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2 years ago

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – The country had only heard glowing sentiments about Ashley’s Learning Center, a seven year old special needs school located in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos but a week ago on July 8 that all changed when a high level team from the TCI’s Ministry of Education held a press conference to rebut statements made by Angela Williams of ALC the day before.

Williams said a $70,000 grant, previously pre-approved by government was withdrawn when she refused to sign a binding agreement which she believes would compromise the quality of learning and care at ALC.

Thousands reacted with outrage at the announcement of the possible closure of the center and denial of funds by the Government.  The Ministry of Education however said, the version of circumstances presented by Angela Williams at her press event on July 7, were inaccurate.

From Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education: “Contrary to what may have been making rounds in social media yesterday, we as a Ministry remain committed to supporting our students and families, especially those with special needs.

Of paramount importance, I wish to address the misleading claims voiced by Ms. Williams, founder of Ashley’s Learning Center which were levied against the Ministry of Education and by extension, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government indicating that we failed to provide the requested financial support to aid in the continued operation of this institution… these statements are without merit.”

Minister Taylor called Angela Williams a “dear friend” and explained the long and strategic partnership with Ashley’s Learning Center has only been embraced by the Ministry.  She said this posture is held by the MoE with any private school assisting with the placement of students.

“We are open to receiving support, to providing support to anyone who wants to partner with the ministry towards meeting the needs of our students, however, we want to emphasize that  in doing so, there are standards that must be met.  We continue to have report of schools, in particular, with parents complaining  that their students are not getting the proper support that they need.  In this case, we have been working with the school, Ashley Learning Center, to provide the support to bring them up to the standard that we want,” explained Wesley Clerveaux, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education speaking during the press conference which was carried live.

Suddenly, with these characterizations, the school’s founder and its method of operation were put in a far less favourable spotlight.

While Ashley’s Learning Center had passed a site inspection and gained a “satisfactory” rating from the Ministry of Education on the suitability of its facility, this was not the same outcome for students’ time in class or in session in person.

“…in compliance with the guiding regulations, my team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the center to ensure compliance of the special education policy prior to the allocation of fund, this  is something anyone would do if they are going to give that sum of money to anyone or any organization,” the Minister said parents concerns about contact time were confirmed, “However there were major concerns in regard to program remediation, student contact time…” said Minister Taylor, who also shared the proposal for additional funding from ALC came in September 2021.

She said despite the unsolicited concerns from parents about contact time, the ministry was prepared to proceed to the next step to approve the additional funding to Ashley’s Learning Center, which already receives over $30,000 in government monies annually which meet the salary of one teacher and school fees of a few children.

“We were very content to the next step in an effort to award the additional funds as proposed,” said the minister.

However, it seemed the gulf on the clause within the contract was too great.   Williams said she was advised it would be detrimental and rejected the counter proposal by the Ministry of Education’s team.

Jas Walkin, the Special Needs Officer for the Ministry of Education said he often experienced confusion when dealing with ALC.

“One of the consistent challenges that we have experienced, is often times what is discussed and agreed in meetings with the proprietor of that school, when we would have left that meeting it’s a totally different interpretation.   And I believe that is what has matriculated yesterday and it is what I was so disappointed in.”

Walkin denied that the Ministry of Education has a “personal problem” with her yet, there were a steady stream of statements which make cloudy the reputation of the school and Williams; at one point the minister said Williams falsified information to her office.

“It was mentioned that there were 10 additional students what would benefit from that $71,000, actually that ten did not exist.  It was for the existing cohorts who are currently at the school,” said Rachel Taylor, TCI Minister of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Service.

What however was missing in the press event was an announcement about where the students, who would no longer have Ashley’s Learning Center come September, would be placed.

“The money will still be there, the $30,000 for the teacher.  The money will still be there to assist her.  It is still there to assist.  We are not taking away anything.  Not anything we are taking away.  The $71,000, and as the minister, I must make it clear, was supposed to unpack an additional 10 students.  That didn’t exist. The students were there already.”

Each official rolled out a string of special needs programs and new funding on the horizon to support the near 200 special needs children in Turks and Caicos; including a document outlining a plan for a special needs center to house 60 students.

But to meet the immediate need of the displaced students of Ashley’s, there was no solution.

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Education

DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HOSTS THERAPY ABROAD TEAM

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7 days ago

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July 19, 2024

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#TurksandCaicos, July 19, 2024 – The Department of Special Education Needs Services recently hosted a team from Therapy Abroad, comprising two speech and language therapists and their graduate students from Hampton University in Virginia, U.S.A.  The visit, filled with impactful activities and cultural exchanges, underscores the department’s commitment to enhancing educational services for children in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During their stay, the Therapy Abroad team had the opportunity to engage with key educational stakeholders. They had a courtesy call with the Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, and the Permanent Secretary, Cherylann Jones, discussing collaborative efforts and sharing expertise. Their itinerary also included a visit to Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, where they met with teachers to discuss best practices in Speech and Language Therapy. The Hon. Minister of Education praised the initiative, stating, “This collaboration with Therapy Abroad is a testament to our commitment to providing our children with the best possible educational support. The knowledge and expertise shared during this visit are invaluable to our ongoing efforts.”

A highlight of the visit was the 4-day Speech Camp hosted at the Salvation Army in Providenciales. This camp provided invaluable speech assessments and therapy sessions for children, offered them tailored support and interventions. The team’s dedication to service was matched by their enthusiasm for cultural immersion; they participated in local activities such as the island’s renowned Fish Fry and enjoyed a boat tour, enriching their understanding of the local culture.

The Director of Special Education Needs Services, Dr. Anya Malcolm, commenting on the visit shared, “Welcoming the Therapy Abroad team has been a wonderful experience. Their work has not only benefited our children but also strengthened our community’s approach to Special Education.” The Coordinator of Assessments, Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, who oversaw and accompanied the team throughout their visit, shared, “Ensuring the smooth execution of this visit was a priority for us. The team’s dedication and the positive impact they’ve had on our children’s lives is truly commendable.”

Looking forward, the Department of Special Education Needs Services aims to host more specialized camps and assessments across various islands and provide ongoing training for teachers. These initiatives will further our mission to offer comprehensive support and services to our neurodiverse children, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve.

This visit marks a significant step towards bridging global expertise with local educational needs, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving excellence in special education services. For more information, you can contact the department via email om sens@gov.tc, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates on our programs and initiatives.

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Education

PRECIOUS TREASURES SCHOOL TO REPRESENT THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AT THE REGIONAL FINALS OF NATIONAL TOURISM DEBATE COMPETITION

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2 weeks ago

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July 9, 2024

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Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands 9th July 2024 – The eagerly anticipated Regional Finals of the National Tourism Debate Competition will take place virtually with national champions, Precious Treasures School representing the Turks and Caicos Islands on 12 July, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The Turks and Caicos Islands team comprises of Team Captain, Ms. Ade Cushnie, Ms.  Kiarah McLean and Mr. Theo Silva, accompanied by their coach Ms. Maurissa Horne. The event will be broadcast live from via the Ministry of Tourism Facebook page from a closed set at the Atrium, Providenciale

The Regional Finals will showcase a captivating debate between Elmore Stoutt High School, British Virgin Islands and representing the government and Precious Treasures School taking the opposition stance. The teams will engage in a thought-provoking debate on the topic, “This house believes increasingly devastating superstorms and earthquakes make our number one tourism industry risky business for the Caribbean,” 

The National Tourism Debate Competition has been a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services along with the Ministry of Tourism, with sponsorship from key partner, Experience Turks and Caicos and steadfast support the Edward C. Gartland Youth Center, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. The competition aims to foster critical thinking, public speaking skills, and a deeper understanding of the pivotal role of the tourism industry, regionally among the youth.

The Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs, expressed her delight in the Turks and Caicos Islands returning to the Regional Finals, stating, “The National Tourism Debate Competition provides a unique opportunity for our youth to explore and analyze critical issues affecting our tourism industry. I am eager to witness Precious Treasures School put forth a creative argument are for Risk Mitigation and wish them all the best.”

The Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, also shared her excitement, saying, “Our students’ commitment to ingenuity will be showcased as Precious Treasures School represents the country at this premier youth tourism debate.  I commend the dedication of the parents and coaches, who lend to this effort and wish TEAM TCI all the best of luck as they prepare to bring home the trophy.”

The public is cordially invited to follow the debate via the Ministry of Tourism’s social media platforms, including Facebook, to witness the intellectual prowess and engaging discourse showcased by the talented young debaters.

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Education

Four Chevening Scholarships awarded to Turks and Caicos Islands Scholars for 2024-2025

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3 weeks ago

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July 5, 2024

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Thadine Crossman

The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that four Scholars from the Turks and Caicos Islands have been awarded Chevening Scholarships to pursue their master’s degrees in the UK for the academic year 2024-2025:

  • Thadine Crossman MSc Occupational Safety, Health and Environment
  • Dodly Prosper MSc Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Royshana Robinson MSc Forensic Toxicology
  • Ashley Williams MSc Project Management

This is the first time the Turks and Caicos Islands will have four Chevening Scholars within the same academic year. It is also commendable to note that Scholar Royshana Robinson is the top-ranking scholar from across the Overseas Territories.

Dodly Prosper

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, said, “It is with immense pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our four outstanding Scholars on being awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. With dynamic skills and experiences across environmental protection, forensic science, public health, project delivery and leadership, they are a demonstration of our youth’s passion, vision and commitment to strengthening the future of these Islands. I hope their success as Chevening Scholars inspires others to achieve their full potential and contribute to the collective progress of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Royshana Robinson

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from all backgrounds and areas of study who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills to create positive change in their country. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences.

The Chevening Awards Scheme is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scheme offers scholarship awards to outstanding emerging leaders around the world to study for a master’s degree in the UK. Visit chevening.org/scholarships for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.

Ashley Williams

For those interested in becoming a Chevening Scholar, the application cycle for study in the next academic year, 2025-2026, opens on 06 August 2024. Visit www.chevening.org to learn more. #BeChevening

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