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Principals outraged over Primary V rules change 1 day before exam!

Government insists Principals were adequately informed of the change beforehand
Ag. Chief Education Officer Mrs Jillian Douglas-Phillip caused controversy this week when it was reported that most Primary School Principals received late notice about the new rules for the Primary Five Exams. One of the changes that outraged students, parents and principals is the allocation of marks for Primary Five Examinations now being 70% and Continuous Assessments now 30%. Photo: VINO/File
Former Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Andrew A. Fahie took issue with the new rule saying,
Former Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Andrew A. Fahie took issue with the new rule saying, "the only losers will be our children". He stated, "you cannot change the rules in midstream and expect good outcomes. The First District representative called on the authorities to revisit that decision. Photo: VINO/File
Another new rule for being awarded the title of Valedictorian and Salutatorian is that a student would have had to spend two (2) years or more at the school in which they have taken the Primary Five Exam. Photo: VINO/File
Another new rule for being awarded the title of Valedictorian and Salutatorian is that a student would have had to spend two (2) years or more at the school in which they have taken the Primary Five Exam. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Some three Primary School Principals from public elementary schools, speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online on condition of anonymity and fearful of victimisation, expressed their concerns about the fairness of a Department of Education circular of April 30, 2013.

The circular from the Ag. Chief Education Officer Mrs Jillian Douglas-Phillip set out the guidelines as to rules, some new in regards to the Primary Five Examinations marking system.

For example, it’s now documented, according to one of the Principals, that the Primary Schools Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be chosen by the Department of Education for each respective school, based on each student’s examination score. One Primary School Head Teacher admitted “this is not new, however, it was only loosely enforced,” the teacher asserted.

Two school principals told this news site that what is now new in the circular, some received on the start of the Primary Five Exams which were held for two days; May 2, 3, 2013, is that “each student must meet the minimum requirement of attending his/her school for two (2) or more years in order to be considered for the Valedictorian and Salutatorian titles.

It is unclear if this is to correct an alleged situation that was reported by this news site last year where one student only did one year at a school in class five and was awarded the title of Salutatorian.

Primary Schools in the Virgin Islands  will now have to satisfy the Department of Education, via records that before a student can become Valedictorian and Salutatorian for each respective school they must have completed both classes four (4) and five (5) at that school.

One parent told this news site on this rule, “this is ridiculous, if the same Education Minister is claiming that he has standardised the primary schools system, so why would this be an issue?”

Another new rule a day before Primary V Exam

Another issue that the three Primary School Principals spoke on is the new rule they said will be unfair to students this school term where the Primary Five Examinations will account for 70 % of marks, up from 60% and 30% assessment, down from 40%.

The principals all agreed that this was unfair to impose this rule for this school team on the students on “almost the day of the exam...we are not saying this is a bad thing but things must be done properly and transparently, so all, both students and parents will be aware of the rules.”

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron Walwyn, and Ag. Chief Education Officer Jillian Douglas Phillip could not be reached for comment but according to Director of Communications Arliene T. Penn, the Acting Chief Education Officer, at a regular end of term Principals' Conference held in July, 2012, informed Primary Principals of the change in the allocation of percentage for the Primary Five Continuous Assessment and the Primary Five Examination from 40 percent / 60 percent to 30 percent / 70 percent, respectively. 

"In addition, principals were informed about the new criterion which is to be implemented in 2013 for the selection of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, at another meeting during this school year," Ms Penn stated.

The circular, dated April 30, 2013, was to only serve as a reminder, Ms Penn said.

Ag. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Dr Marcia Potter said she recently returned to duties but noted she was aware there were meetings held to discuss such issues but could not comment further.

However, the former Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, when contacted, told this news site, “first I must say change is good, but it must be well thought out, change taking in account the views of all stakeholders. It must also be planned change”.

The three-term First District representative, now into his fourth conservative term as a legislator, also said, “If the change is done in the manner that is being reported and with the noticed given to the schools just this week during Primary V exams then this course of action leaves a lot to be desired. The only losers will be our children. You cannot change the rules in midstream and expect good outcomes”.

Hon. Fahie called on those in authority to revisit the decision.

 

Download the letter from CEO here.

 

 

 

92 Responses to “Principals outraged over Primary V rules change 1 day before exam!”

  • Priority (04/05/2013, 12:26) Like (21) Dislike (11) Reply
    here we go again..what a mess
    • Observer (04/05/2013, 13:07) Like (8) Dislike (50) Reply
      Much ado about nothing ... wallowing in mediocrity as usual.
      • @ Observer (04/05/2013, 16:19) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        before the last elections many of us use to criticized the VIP and told Dancia and Hodge about things they were doing or their department. The reaction was much of the same...."much to do about nothing they will both say" plus the VIP bloggers were saying the same thing.

        After the elections they were gone.....history does repeat itself boss
      • TO: Observer (04/05/2013, 16:35) Like (1) Dislike (24) Reply
        so the students teachers and parents concerns are much to do about nothing!!!!! shameful and insulting of you but there is another elections
    • Crap (07/05/2013, 09:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      These Principals need to do the Job they are been paid to do, and stop trying to stir up trouble because they cannot get their own way.
  • here we go again (04/05/2013, 12:42) Like (15) Dislike (43) Reply
    Myron here in education changing the rules in the middle of the game. I wonder what folly Barnes going to write for Myron to come lie to us saying now.
    • aqc 360 (04/05/2013, 19:02) Like (3) Dislike (39) Reply
      We really gone back to living in a stone age in education under that crew.
      • 4321 (05/05/2013, 11:46) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
        Gone back? We so far behind in education, that children coming from other Caribbean countries showing up the local children. Hon. Myron is doing a good job, and thank God for Mrs. Phillips who pushing to strengthen the education system. They need to start to weed out those principals who think they run things and above the rules and regulations!!!!!! and be rid of those teachers who just in it for the vacations!!!!!
        • humm (05/05/2013, 18:58) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
          I agree he needs to start at the root with teachers who bearly graduate from H.L.S.C.C. teaching in stage one and two these are both fundamental stages. I think that a person who graduates with an AA Degree should be a trainer aid.
        • sayso (06/05/2013, 11:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          AND AFRICA TOO
        • Tim (06/05/2013, 13:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Why don't you stop writing lies. Check the records
    • voter (04/05/2013, 20:41) Like (9) Dislike (42) Reply
      Two more years to go thank god!!
    • DarkVader (05/05/2013, 00:04) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      What part did you not understand? The principals were told about it long before. The reminder was sent to the April 30th. Some of those teachers and principals just like to crate confusion..
  • Not good (04/05/2013, 12:43) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
    As a parent I thought the Minister said he would be doing this next school year. To change it to this school year out of the blue shows he & his staff are dictators & don't care about the children.
    • Dishonest People (04/05/2013, 14:27) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
      That is exactly what we parents were told that this 30/70 thing would be put in place at the start of the next school year and not this year. What is the reason for doing this at this late stage?
      • Jumanji (05/05/2013, 11:15) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
        Should it really matter when it will and should take effect? If the school children are focused and are studying their notes and practising their Math, they should be more than capable to handle anything tossed their way.
        • Really? (07/05/2013, 09:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Are you for real? Can you imagine the uproar for example if the students at the college who are now writing their final exams were told this week that finals are no longer worth 40% of their overall grade but 50% or 60%? The fact that the 70/30 was introduced is not a problem. The problem is the timing. Parents and teachers who were clueless would prepare their children and students differently if they had this knowledge prior. There is a different mindset when information like this is known before hand.
  • Yes (04/05/2013, 12:46) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The old people say you have to fatten the bull before you kill it. Myron fatten the teachers with a $100,000 dinner knowing full well he was going to kill the same teachers & students couple weeks after with this nonsense & many more. As usual he will talk his way out of this.
  • enough (04/05/2013, 12:55) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    I firmly feel that too much emphasis is being placed on this one exam & this needs to change rather than putting more emphasis on it. It is a colonial idea whose time has gone. It should be treated as part of continuous assessment as a standardized test rather than a be ALL test.
    • Correct (04/05/2013, 22:44) Like (1) Dislike (27) Reply
      maybe the minister and CEO might see the sense in what you are saying. "continuous assessment" _ maybe they might listen to you if you say so by a contract for a million! that seem to be the only time they hear and listen.
    • Educate the people! (05/05/2013, 12:09) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
      To enough!!!obviously English is not your language! students are given tasks and projects, which are submitted to department as a contribution towards their grades!!!! and we all know 90% of the children who submitted these fantastic projects, THEY (STUDENTS) DID NOT WRITE THEM!!!!!! therefore, we need to be able to MEASURE the STANDARDS of our EDUCATION SYSTEM!!! WORD TO THE FOOLS FROM THE WISE, TAKE TIME OUT WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND FOSTER THEIR EDUCATIONAL NEEDS!! STOP WAITING TILL THE LAST MINUTE TO FILL THE EMPTY BARREL!!!!!
  • insider (04/05/2013, 12:56) Like (7) Dislike (22) Reply
    While there were some discussions at the Principals meeting she promised to get back to us. Dat girl is a Dictator she like Myron but they better wake up and smell the bush tea on new model day management and how you deal with people
  • No time (04/05/2013, 13:04) Like (5) Dislike (34) Reply
    Myron probably didn't even know about this so be fair to him because he might be busy totalling the profits from the dinner. He will get to it after he is finished counting & fix this new problem. Maybe he might throw a dinner for the students, teachers & parents this time for $300,000 & get it fixed. LOL.
    • @ No time (07/05/2013, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Too late Myron...dog done eat your supper...pack it in son....Fahie is going to chew you up and spit you out..
  • my two cents (04/05/2013, 13:07) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    The Department should not be wasting time organizing who are the val & sal for the primary schools. That is micro-management. Instead what they should do is have clearly defined rules on how the val & sal MUST be selected so that it is consistently done across the board & withstand scrutiny. Let the schools do it themselves with the aforementioned in place. Let the Department go do real work in education.
    • Really (04/05/2013, 18:10) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
      Maybe they should. Actually it d time that they do. they set and mark the test. I think the also pick the top students in the subjects as wel.

      The principals /teahers are biased and choose their friends, especially at aAlthea Scatliffe They are not fair. I knw that or a fact.
    • @my two cents (06/05/2013, 17:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Last year there was a contradiction in the choosing of Val and Sal, each school had their criteria. What I understand is that the Ministry of Education has passed down a criteria to be followed across the board to avoid confusions, it is the teachers/principals responsibility to inform the parents of same.
  • ooooo (04/05/2013, 13:08) Like (11) Dislike (15) Reply
    oh! myron.....you again?
  • Keep off the Minister (04/05/2013, 13:09) Like (4) Dislike (51) Reply
    The Minister jamming & he will not apologise for this neither. This is a done deal so ALL of ayo including Fahie can go sit down. More of us in education are with Myron, Dr. Potter & Jillian than what against them. This is the best school year & primary five organization.
  • Observer (04/05/2013, 13:13) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
    The primary school system is not "standardised". When last the Education Officers visited some of these schools to see what is really going on? Many incidents that happen in some schools are not reported to the Department of Education. Maybe the Department of Education should be advertising "ON THE ROAD" like the present Government to learn about the real issues.
    • Meli (04/05/2013, 16:14) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      I've asked this question a thousand times.. what is the purpose of the Primary V Exams? The same Education Officers who are not visiting the schools put material on the exams that the students have not covered. As I see it, just let the schools do their assessments and the final exams then call it done. This whole system is setting up the students to fail after a long year of unnecessary pressure on the students, teachers and parents.
  • Teacher (04/05/2013, 13:58) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    The science was placed as a separate subject this year and it was a total MESS.Who set an exam with 121questions without not even 1 multiple choice. Look into everything one time as it was ridiculous and totally unfair to the kids.
  • Uneducated Educators (04/05/2013, 14:15) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Primary V Exam is an antiquated, outdated and unnecessary tradition. Why should these students be made to sit an examination with no Outline as to what is being tested. Yes, I said it No Outline. They are tested comprehensively on what they learned from Class 3 to 5 with no clear objectives. This is a crock of bull. To make matters worse, all principals, teachers and students were advised at the start of this school year and throughout the year that the students would be assessed on a 40% coursework and 60% exam basis. How can you now change the criteria the day before the examination without ensuring that all the stakeholders were made aware. Utter rubbish!
    • @Uneducated Educators (04/05/2013, 17:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      In reference to "They are tested comprehensively on what they learned from Class 3 to 5 with no clear objectives". Some of the material on the exams were not even covered in the classroom.
  • parent (04/05/2013, 14:21) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm not bashing who set the science exam but i think if you set objectives to follow and you're goin to have the parent, teachers and kids put time and efforts out to study along those lines of the objectives at least stay within the scope of the objectives. If that's not what is goin to be done don't set objectives, it just seems like the kids are being set up to fail
  • Stupes (04/05/2013, 14:25) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    When I asked the students who did the Science test in different schools, they ALL said the same thing about that test, that it was hard. I asked the Primary V teachers and they themselves said that the test was written for older students. Who does write these things?
  • JACK BE STILL (04/05/2013, 14:52) Like (16) Dislike (49) Reply
    Eventhing this govt touch just blow up in their faces!
  • what goes around come around (04/05/2013, 15:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who they think getting val from Isabella Morris not going try just watch!
  • Employeee (04/05/2013, 15:59) Like (6) Dislike (33) Reply
    Only on VINO these kinds of stories are released...FYI the principals did receive this information before hand they are just acting like they didn't know anything, as usual. All these principals need removing from their posts, due to the fact that all they are good at doing is the obvious.....running their mouths!
    • @ Employeee (04/05/2013, 16:25) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      ha ha do not blame vino dem just have all dey inside dem even printed the letter well me bouy seems like ever civil servant workin for vino
    • To Employee (04/05/2013, 17:54) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      Where do you work? Ask the Ministry/Department for proof that their principals are lying. Don't you wonder what all the silence from the HEAD is about? Where there is smoke, there is fire. In this case, lots of confusion and misinformation where there should be none. This just goes to show, "Who really knows what is going on?"
  • watcher (04/05/2013, 17:19) Like (16) Dislike (159) Reply
    Mr. Fahie again. Standing up for his children. We sorry we put Myron there. He full of nonesense. Don't worry he would be out next time and you will have your sit back. Fight this one Mr. Fahie. We need you to stand with us. We are ready for the fight just say when and where.
  • Parent supporting CEO and Minister (04/05/2013, 17:28) Like (5) Dislike (37) Reply
    Parents need to decide what they want. Do you want the school to set policies or the Ministry/Department. The Minister is simply responding to your concerns regarding selection of top students using school criteria, that all parents were aware of and agreed to. That is, until things did not turn out their way.

    The Ministry/Department are management. Principals are simply supervisors, because the BVI has a centralized education system, the Ministry/Department has all authority. OK; so they said 70/30 would be implemented in 2014 and they changed it without informing anyone. They are the bosses, that's their prerogative.

    You parents asked for it, and you got it. So suck it up! and hope for the best.
  • Serious (04/05/2013, 17:54) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    We need to get serious about education, and stop taking the children for granted. Even before this exam is written, the Department should conduct an audit to determine the topics that each school covered in comparison to the syllabus. It is unfair to test students on material that they did not learn.

    On another note, teachers need to be compensated at the proper salary grade for their qualifications upon achieving them. God don't like ugly.
    • ? (06/05/2013, 11:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

      Teachers need to be adequately compensated yes, but they need to be compensated according to their perfomance in the classroom. Are the majority of students passing or failing? Are parents adequately informed about their child's progress or lack of progress? Is there an increasing or decreasing number of students on the honour roll? Is there an increasing or decreasing drop out rate?
      Is the learning environment sanitary and clean?
  • What-a-Thing (04/05/2013, 18:49) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    You folks here are all jumping to conclusion after a pack of lies from those 3 disgruntled principals. The most sensible comment here came from Hon. Andrew Fahie: “If the change is done in the manner that is being reported and with the noticed given to the schools just this week during Primary V exams then this course of action leaves a lot to be desired." Most of you have alrready handed down a verdict and sentencing on the matter. However, I hope that you ALL will acknowledge the deceitfulness of the story come Monday. Nothing more to say right now.
    • To What-a-Thing (05/05/2013, 07:41) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      What Hon Fahie said is just what the principals said. DUURRRRRRRR!
  • GD (04/05/2013, 20:45) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    Myron going cripple the next generation with this nonsense. Poor Tortola!
  • C MON (04/05/2013, 21:21) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    WHAT AN INSULT OF INTELLIGENCE, IF SOMEONE SCORES 95 PERCENT HE OR SHE WILL NOT BE AWARDED VALIDICTORIAN BECAUSE HE DID NOT ATTEND THE INSTITUTION FOR TWO YEARS?
    • Far away (05/05/2013, 19:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I live in the US and in my county you would have had to attended for the four years of high school to be awarded VAL or Sal.
      • Realist (08/05/2013, 13:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        To far way: Not because the US has implemented a requirement does not mean the BVI should follow fashion. A child deserves to be VAL OR SAL based on their merits and not on duration at the School. PERIOD!
  • Concerned teacher (04/05/2013, 22:23) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply

    Many do not know what we teachers endure in grade six and this year has been d worst n know to get this. We the grade six teachers have meetings periodically and at one meeting we were told by Jillian that the 30/70 would be in effect next school year. Recently we have had another meeting....we were told that we would be the ones marking the test papers and she would see if she (Jillian) can get the primary school grade six students to stay home for at least the first three days of the week after exams so that the papers could be marked quickly and we would know who would be doing supplementary the week before it is too be administered and still no word. Many of us grade six teachers were looking forward to marking as we cannot see why we cannot mark the papers after all we taught majority of the content. So it seems as if we can't be trusted by our own or they at d department has something to hide. Since then we had another meeting two days before examinations to find out where we were being sent to invigilate...y do they harass other class teachers to invigilate when some class five teachers were not sent any where at all to invigilate? Then it seems as though Jillian knew she couldn't fulfill what she said so she allowed ms Susan P to head the meeting and lo and behold when asked the question of us marking mrs P was lostttttt!!!! So now we are left to assume that decisions are made by one personnnnn Jillian. So now we invigilate and we get a friendly maths paper one and two....well set...loaded to accommodate all learning types. Had lunch and then died. Shot in the heart by the science test with concepts that were not only covered in class five, but also not on the list of objectives for test on d website. Now I know that objectives r a guide but some were so far from topics...dietary fibre, skeletal system, clouds, fuels that give off substances and what fuels power station, like really science examiner.....most of us don't do health in class five is like these people does smoke. They tell you one thing n they do a next. We were given a science syllabus to cover concepts like minerals soil water cycle lab to name a few well I guess in their place we got some health topics. We don't do vertebrates in class five either. If u know u wanted to go back all the way to class three then u could've said. Who are u three guys out to spite. Then the science test format was terrible. It's like they wanted to squeeze in every possible topic they could arrive up. And what's up with filtration showing up more than once. That is high school topic, and instruments like sieve. The kids know funnel, beaker and u know what else they r in the syllabus that u sent. R we on two different page here? Did we miss something....did we not get the memo. Then it was 121.5 pts . What exactly were you trying to prove. But I'm not only here to bring out the bad points but also the good ones. The social studies paper was beautiful as well. Formatted nicely and friendly. The English wasn't too bad but I personally did not like the poem. There were also too many questions in that section when the examiner is fully aware that kids don't like poem and poetry can b interpreted many ways. Not enough questions r placed in the grammar either and we spend lots of time coaching that area. We now know where that examiner heart is...poetry...and not because u like it mean u r going to kill the kids there. Much much more can b said and I would only hope they r reading this and d other comments.

    • Stupes (05/05/2013, 05:31) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
      Complainer! complainer! Shut up and get with the program!! kids should be studying all topics and be well rounded. It's a real world out there. Have your kids read books of all types and brands. Stop focusing on syllabusses and objectives.
      • @stupes (05/05/2013, 18:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Did u go to college? Weren't u given objectives before exams...well if u weren't now u now they do...if u dnt know then shut up
    • Response to Concerned Teacher (06/05/2013, 07:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      If you think the Primary V Examinations idiotic decisions were bad, just wait. The cohorts for the Bachelor's Programme could write a book each on our "experiences".
      And nobody say anything about us being ungrateful - we were promised an egg. Not a golden egg but we didn't expect a rotten one either. And guess who some of the instructors were. Looks like Mrs. P drying government kitty for she on every paid committee and is EXTREMELY INEFFECTIVE! (And that is my nice teacher's way of putting out my opinion of her and her shameful efects on our education system.)

  • Insult (04/05/2013, 22:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lawdy I like jillie u know but jillie if u dnt careful u n others wouldn't b in their post too long...they have no faith in us.. There are some of us who r trying. Weed out the bad ones who are making us change the norm...
  • Hmmmm (04/05/2013, 22:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The quicker we go back to two exams the better it is for us teachers....with ayo bunch of cock a bull changes every dam second. If u all dnt trust us then set administer and mark the continuous assessments u all dam self...my two cents.
  • teacher john (05/05/2013, 00:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i beleive the teachers and principals any day over myron pr spin
  • &*^% (05/05/2013, 00:53) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    I feel sorry for the poor Primary V students each year. That exam is too stressful. Mrs. Potter and Dr. Brewely, please stop reaking havoc on our students with the UWI Exams you set full well knowing that they are way above the primary school level. Mrs. Philips, you obviously know how to write a proper exam for students with varying abilities. Please send the named education a memo with a few tips on how to accomplish this task. Lets not have this same sad state of affairs occurring again next year. Dear Minister, please take note.
    • SHUT UP (06/05/2013, 22:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You need to stop calling names and realize that the educational system is behind. Teachers do your job and stop complaining.
  • Past Student (05/05/2013, 01:02) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mrs. Phillips, you need to check the English and Science Exams before you send to kill people's children. What was Dr. Brewely really thinking? She is getting out of hand. Please, do something about the English and Science Exams.
  • wellsa (05/05/2013, 02:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    At least the concerned teacher can comment about the paper....The rest of us including the principals have to wait until next year to see the paper. We can only comment about the paper after the children talk about it. Since Jillian take over everything is top secret....You would never believe she use to teach. smh
  • the wild thing (05/05/2013, 05:31) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    concerned teacher whne u come out talking crap like that words like sieve, beaker and saying that the kids dont like potery it makes you look so ridiculous.....kids need to show some level of forward thinking and not just rewrite what they learnt off a book!!! I had to do just the same in high school.. I never liked poetry and math, but hey I had to do it......so stop stirring un nonsense!!!, if you teach and you really understand what you teaching then you should have no problems with the outcome from the exams...for far too long some of you teachers have been bending the rules for some...its time we really see whats happening the schools and where the students are currently workwise. know my blogging is rough but for a teacher you need to go back to school!
    • @d wild thing (05/05/2013, 19:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      U is a real idiot....
    • Yes (05/05/2013, 19:07) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Ur blogging is rough... It has to be u r one of d paid bloggers...there r more against than for....u all will loose this battle just watch....silly
    • Independent blogger (05/05/2013, 22:06) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @concerned teacher it is teachers like you who encourage mediocrity in the public schools. They should send you home. Look at st George's school performance. Do your job and stop cmplaining. It is lazy teachers like you who spoil our children into thinking it must be what they want or what they want. Teachers should motivate children to achieve the highest levels of excellence. You have some nerve to come on hear talking bout children do not like poetry.
      Do you realize the challenge these children are up againstin the work place right here in BVI. Shame on you..
      • Stupes (06/05/2013, 06:42) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        When last has a student who attended the St. Georges Primary School and then attended the Government High School ever seen anyway at the top of their class when they graduate. They busy prepping them up for an exam and not to live in the real world.
      • shelly (06/05/2013, 10:42) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
        if u only know what the students at St. Georges students are saying that the teachers do u better not say anything. But since u open a can of worms let me tell u what a student say. They are given back the same tasks MORE THAN ONCE! Do you want me to repeat myself. The teachers of ST. GEORGES gave the studnets TWO THREE AND FOUR TIMES to atempt the same task. I have proof school children say SO! They make sure every t cross and i dot. SO TALK THAT. Y do u think they cant score high when they get into the public system. THey dont keep up their rapport.
    • DIVA (07/05/2013, 17:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This island mentality getting to me people just like every thing watered down.come on we live in a real world.i can't understand the system though school leavin course work is 85 and exam 15 compared to primary school.these students Re entering the world of work .shouldnt it be more competitive for them
  • Ha Ha Ha (05/05/2013, 06:44) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    By Monday Myron & his crew will make the principals to either be a liar or misunderstand what is being done. Either way Myron will fix this in a way where he make everyone go quite & the teachers especially out of intimidation & fear. That's how this man works, rule by fear & intimidation.
  • Special Needs (05/05/2013, 08:34) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This year the Minister decided to help the special needs students sitting the Primary V. If you are not helping before and after these exams; what's the point.
    Many people (unfortunately the CEO as well) feel that they are doing special needs student a favor by providing accommodations that are rightfully theirs. Now to make up, students that don't even need assistance gets it, while some who do, are still left out. A good idea horribly executed.
    Accommodations should be given to those students diagnosed with a learning disability, including physical disabilities that affect learning. No child should get accommodations without a diagnosis, and the Government should have our students who need to be evaluated tested by the school system and not by the parents.
    Accommodations for learning disabilities set special needs students on a level playing field for comparative assessments like the Primary V exams. It's only fair to give a child who has poor vision a pair of glasses, and provide hearing aids to a child who has limited hearing. Other disabilities like dyslexia, spina bifida, dyscalculia, ADHD and functional autism aren't as simple, but deserve, and demand the appropriate accommodations.
    It seems like if you are 'dumb' (as the old people say), it is OK to get accommodations because it is deemed impossible to be a top student. But we have many top students (with diagnosed learning disabilities, and recommended testing accommodations) sitting the Primary V exams with ineffective accommodations or no accommodations at all because they are bright. Helping them as many call accommodations is not "CHEATING". Denying them their accommodations is not only "CHEATING" them but ILLEGAL!!!!!!!!
    Then they move on to secondary school and the injustices continue. This education system needs to be tried and executed.
    I say to the Minister and CEO, no one expects you to know everything and be able to do it all by yourself; that seems to be your choice though. You have exceptional educators in the system and you make them look bad because messes like these that you refuse to take the blame for are put on the teachers and principals. The ones who miraculously keep our schools afloat and educate students like those honor students at HLSCC you are so proudly bragging about now. They are products of the same principals and teachers everyone wants to crucify.
    Principals, teachers, guidance officers and other school staff all need respect and courtesy as professionals and educators in our schools. They need to be heard and be allowed to work together to improve the system. You may be the drivers, but principals, teachers and others are the mechanics. If they don't service this engine well, what will you drive Hon. Minister and respected CEO?
    What will our future be! One big broken down mess!! And it will cost this country Billions for a new engine.
    • Hope (05/05/2013, 09:45) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      hope Fahie who will be back as Minister and Myron the out going Minister will read this post
      • oh lord (06/05/2013, 02:31) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        Fahie need to go sid dung. He caused havoc in the school system.
  • Blind leading the blind (05/05/2013, 12:13) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    There is a saying "a one eye man is King in a blind world." The question is who is the King of the Ministry of Education? Who is the blind King. Hon. Minister take note, you cannot promote a hard clueless worker and expect that person to be a visionary. This is not as simple as flipping burgers, this is the main organ of the Territory at stake. Take your time and read every blog on education, only a blind illogically thinking person could conclude that something is not wrong. How many poor decisions will you continue to or allow to be made in Education Sir, You move excellent educators and confine them to a desk simply because you are intimidated by their qualifications, they will rise again have no fear. You make decisions in a hastily manner. You are surrounded by an incompetent CEO, hence every decision is doom to fail, lacks transparency, clarity and purpose. Read the blogs above. People are questioning your decisions. A leader is as good as the people they manage. Your staff is a reflection of you. Your CEO you picked, the worse the Territory has seen. She simply cannot be helped. The best thing you can do for our country, the position and your CEO is release her of this job, she just cannot handle it. She lacks the skills and capacity and Hon. Minister if she is not the problem surround yourself with qualified educators. Parents, students, teachers, principals and other staff are tired of you and your management team. I am sorry for all of us including the blind.
    • To Blind leading the Blind (05/05/2013, 15:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I totally disagree with what you have said about Mrs. Phillips. She may not be perfect at her job, but then again, are? I do believe that a lot of changes have been taking place with in the Dept. of Edu. so I know that it can't be easy being the CEO especially when there are numerous persons simply waiting to criticize even though they themselves can do no better. However, what I would say is that the pace at the dept needs to be slowed down so that they can execute tasks in an orderly fashion. They might also want to cut back on the micromanaging of schools thus allowing the principals to do what they are paid to do. Additionally, those at the top often fail to listen to the concern of the persons who work in the schools. Listen up Mr. Minister, Madam CEO and all other decision makers, listen to your teaching staff. They understand more than anyone else what is needed to take education to the next level.
  • Release (05/05/2013, 13:18) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    We have watched Mr Walawyn year after year do nothing for the people in Education.
  • Concerned (05/05/2013, 19:52) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    The old time people use to say that every story has two sides and I honestly believe that. These three anonymous principals just need to shut up, sit down and identify their real purpose in life. As educators, they
    need to be more discreet and tactful in their roles as "PRINCIPALS". Whatever their motives are, at the end of the day they need to be truthful and stop from placing blame on the Minister and the CEO. If they were asleep at the last Principal's meeting on 28th March, 2013 when this information was given; then they had a right to remain silent and stop creating confusion in the place. May God forgive them!
  • Response (05/05/2013, 20:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are contradicting yourself. Try getting the CEO to listen to anyone other than her handpicked staff. Ask the Officers how many decisions she makes with their input. Ask the Principals how much she listens to their concerns. If you are in doubt would Officer S. Potter had a different opinion in regards to marking than hers. This particular Officer was in retirement and was asked to return by the CEO although a highly qualified individual who applied for the job was rejected in favor of an officer who sets exams and students fail and teach supplementary for the same subject and the students still fail. Even with your blinkers on you should see that the management of the Ministry is failing and who is to be blame? You tell me.
  • @ concerned (05/05/2013, 21:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even March 28th, 2013 just less than two months before exams was too late to change something parents were informed of in June 2012. REALLY! Get a grip!
    • Shara Parlin (06/05/2013, 06:45) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      If I had to believe a story between Hon. Andrew & Mr. Myron I would go to my grave believing Hon. Fahie.

      its clear that Myron has lost his way big time and would do and say anything to hold on to power. I pity him now to see what my former work mate at the DPP has been reduced to. I'm ashamed of you Mr. Walwyn
  • age (05/05/2013, 22:15) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    I bet the leader is the one at the Mighty Scattlife They thin they can fool all the people all the time. They just hiding behind the children to Eexecutive their personal agendas.
  • wise up (05/05/2013, 22:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    All i will simply advise; let the minister focus on his education department and trying to be the minister for media affairs
  • UK trip (05/05/2013, 22:39) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Minister, what is the result of the recent UK trip that you and the CEO took some months ago to help with special needs issue? Are you all using any of the advice. If not, please deposit the airfare and hotel back into the treasury. It's time for results.
  • Ridiculous! (06/05/2013, 07:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So you mean to tell me that all the Primary V Teachers and all the Principals had exactly the same wrong message relaying to their students for an entire year? That is so unbelievable! Instead of the damn Department own up and admit to their wrong doing, they busy trying to make their educators look like liars. Their own teachers and principals are proving that they are liars. How could everyone get the wrong message? Where are the minutes of these principal meetings? Where are the minutes showing clearly what to convey to the parents and teachers? Produce them and then we the public will believe you. UNTIL THESE DOCUMENTS ARE PRODUCED, THE DEPARTMENT IS FILLED WITH DICTATORS AND LIARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Mr. Photo Op (06/05/2013, 07:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope when all is said and done, Mr. Photo Op, will stand behind the results and not try to adjust anything to suit.
  • Yes (06/05/2013, 09:06) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am not a BVIslander but I am a teacher in the BVI education system...the system is dying an it hurts my heart...as an outsider and a teacher I teach my students to take exams...this is a lesson a do yearly behind my principals back because it is not in the curriculum...I love my students and my job so when they fail...I fail...it saddens me to read these blogs and see why my job has become so difficult...an ignorant society...and I did not hear about this 70/30...but it's good to know because my child has to do that same primary five soon so to the other parent get kit your notepads and pens take note...cause if your child is like mine "suffers from test anxiety" it will be goo to prepare them...sad day for me to see adults acting bashing each other I. This way...Mrs. P...hold on to the word of our God....because what he has for you in this life not even his angels in heaven can take it away!
  • Ty-Rexx (06/05/2013, 11:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nothing is wrong with the changes. More notice could have been given, true. There are some schools who select the Val and Sal on certain "criteria" that has nothing to do with scores, and a student who has joined a school relatively recently should not be considered over a student who has spent all his/her time there.


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