THE TASK FORCE ON EDUCATIONAL REFORM

In February 2004, the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica appointed a 14- member Task Force on Educational Reform to prepare and present an action plan consistent with a vision for the creation of a world-class education system which will generate the human capital and produce the skills necessary for Jamaicans to compete in the global economy. As a first step towards transforming the education system, the Task Force through a consultative process developed and articulated the following National Shared Vision:

National Shared Vision 

Each learner will maximize his/her potential in an enriching, learner-centred education environment with maximum use of learning technologies supported by committed, qualified, competent, effective and professional educators and staff.
The education system will be equitable and accessible with full attendance to Grade 11. Accountability, transparency and performance are the hallmarks of a system that is excellent, self-sustaining and resourced and welcomes full stakeholder participation. The system produces full literacy and numeracy, a globally competitive, quality workforce and a disciplined culturally aware and ethical Jamaican citizenry.

One early outcome of the review process was the determination of Performance Targets for Education in light of the recently articulated and validated Shared National Vision for Education. Performance targets set out in the White Paper on Education were redefined and a system review was undertaken under the following four sub-themes:

•  Governance and Management
•  Curriculum Teaching and Learning Support
•  Stakeholder Participation
•  Finance

Pertinent recommendations were made with the goal of transforming the entire education system over a period of approximately ten to fifteen years. Some of the recommendations to be pursued within the short to medium term are:

• Construction of new schools, the upgrading of all existing schools to world-class standards and the elimination of the shift system.
• Upgrading of Curriculum Teaching and Learning Support Systems with particular focus on Literacy and Numeracy.
• Exposing school boards and principals to new concepts of governance with emphasis on leadership and administration.
• Building community participation and ownership of schools to influence positive behavioural changes and stimulate a higher level of involvement.
• Modernization of the Ministry of Education to a Policy Ministry.