As part of more moves to improve the local education sector, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has announced the establishment of a local training institute for VI teachers. Photo: Internet Source

The Premier made the announcement during the November 11, 2021, budget presentation under Education, as part of a long list of budgeted improvements to the sector and local educational facilities. Photo: HoA/Youtube

The Premier made the announcement during the  November 11, 2021, budget presentation under Education, as part of a long list of budgeted improvements to the sector and local educational facilities.

“The Establishment of the Teacher Education Institute by September 2022 remains another area of focus. The Institute will have responsibility for teacher training, at various levels, to include training of new teachers, offer professional development for teachers and administrators at the Ministry and school levels, and a teacher licensing programme.”

He said the professional development sessions will be on the creation of and use of online assessments, differentiated instruction, online lesson planning, and versatility in the use of the various online platforms were conducted during 2021.

“These efforts will continue in 2022 to further strengthen the teaching and learning process and student outcomes.”

More virtual classrooms - Premier Fahie 

Hon Fahie also announced that for teaching, the VI Government will be moving to establish virtual classrooms to accommodate COVID-19 impacted students with an alternative platform by March 2022.

He said there have also been proposed increases to the funds available for school supplies by over $255,000 from last year’s allocation.

Additionally, Hon Fahie announced, “The Ministry of Education expanded the Reading Literacy Programme to Grade 4 in September 2020, and to Grade 5 in September 2021. By September 2022, Grades 6 and 7 will be added to the programme,” he said.

The Premier said that by September 2022, the review and adjustment of the Early Childhood Programme for Grades K and One should be completed to include more scheduled language and math literacy and the integration of science and social studies concepts into the language and math lessons.