Canadian Educator To Assist Education Strategy
This morning [Sept.16] Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith provided an update on education initiatives, one of them being to have Canadian educator Dr. Avis Glaze come to Bermuda to assist with an improvement strategy for education. This will be at no cost to the Government, the Education Minister said.
Dame Jennifer said, “I am pleased to announce that Dr. Avis Glaze, noted Canadian Educator and advisor to the Premier of Ontario, will be coming to Bermuda to assist school leaders with an improvement strategy which highlights instructional leadership. Dr. Glaze will help to develop school improvement teams which will focus on developing individualised improvement plans for principals and teachers.”
“Having Dr. Glaze in Bermuda represents a major coup as she is in demand around the world. Best of all, Dr. Glaze comes to Bermuda at no charge to the Ministry of Education. In addition, the Government of Ontario have also agreed that Dr. Glaze’s team can accompany her here – also at no charge to the Government of Bermuda.”
The full 16 minute video of Dame Jennifer’s presentation is below:
Dame Jennifer spoke about a number of other issues saying that the recruitment for a Senior Manager of Human Resources is underway and that Principal Appraisals will be completed by October.
She also said that all vacant Ministry of Education posts have been reviewed to determine whether longterm vacant posts can be abolished, which could result in savings of approximately $1.5 million. The review will be completed after consultation with union stakeholders.
“We have also developed a national School Emergency and Crisis Response Plan,” said Dame Jennifer. “The plan is awaiting final review by stakeholders before implementation. The Plan outlines a uniform approach for schools to take with regard to emergency management and operations.”
“It is anticipated that it will help schools and protect staff and students during emergency situations. The plan takes an all-hazard approach with action outlinesfor mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
“In addition, the Code of Conduct for Students is being updated to align with the Education Act, and to include additional infractions designed to address new and emerging forms of bullying.”
The full statement is below, click ‘Fullscreen’ for greater clarity:
I see great work being done. We are on the right path!
If the PLP cannot figure out how to educate our kids best, then we’re screwed. Wait a minute, we’re already screwed. Half our kids are functionally illiterate. This Canadian consultant must think Bermudians are idiots.
Here we go again, Jennifer Smith has no clue about the education system in Bermuda… so she has to hire a consultant !!!!!!!we need to find out more about the deal that Dr, Glaze and our education minister has set up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think Mr Charles would have been a better consultant..
Nothing comes free in this world. Prior experience has shown me how people come in and ‘suggest’ ways to improve something. Then they charge you for the actual program that you need to use to improve that something and it’s usually not very cheap. All over the United States this is going on.
Dr. Glaze…………………………………………..
More Glaze over it…………………………………………
You guys are nuts…….
What happened to the other one that MOE including Dame Jennifer was so agreeable to working with…..
Glaze is for Ham not for Bermudian’s Education – One High school is asking students to buy their own books, not being allowed to print from computers at school and to send their homework via e-mail to the teacher…. do more with less – drive the teachers out of teaching and the children out of school to the WALLS….
Express yourself – check your voting informatino is correct and do what is right – time to set things straight via your pen…
Another education consultant? We spend lots of money on education reports, studies and consultants.
Based on the results, are we getting value for money?
Technoligy….The ruination of mankind.
Glad I now how to write and speak………
Hold on…got a tex…….
When you talk about the public school system remember 99% of the children their are black or do you care so what are you trying to say. Because not one of you would rip apart a private school and you wonder what’s wrong with our children.
For those that missed it, what I am trying to say is, if the school was full of white children you
would not rip apart there school so so sad.
How can you possibly turn this into a race issue? This isn’t about race, it’s about the decline in education. Sheesh.
Quite obviously you need to further your own education because I came across grammer mistakes fella!!
So where are all those who say they don’t like racism this is one of the most racist statements out.
LOL
This is very interesting too me! We have so many educated teachers with doctorates and Master’s degrees who want to assist in the education initiative yet here we are AGAIN getting with another consultant from overseas( no disrespect !
I am all for providing the best education for OUR children- maybe the powers that be should listen to the teachers that are in the system( public or private) that see the issues day to day! I’m sure they have an idea!
Geesh keep on chopping and changing!! Who suffers? OUR children.
Here’s the solution:
1. We should have kept the Tech/trade schools- not everyone is academically inclined but we have some very gifted with their hands. Ask any teacher : we have tradesman, artist etc that are lost because that gift has not been nurtured. (this maybe part of the behavior prob- some children act-out to take the focus off the fact that they just don’t know)
2.Make parents responsible for their RUDE children- you know who YOU are. Stop enabling your children to disrespect the teachers and their peers. MOST of our teachers are ablsolutely phenomenal at what they do. Teachers have an awesome responsibility they do not have to deal with rude children too! Teach them some manners! Granted there are kids (majority) who want a solid education. It’s just minority who spoil it for the rest( that’s in both private an public schools by the way. )
3. Lastly, As I said before, we have some phenomenal teachers who truly “born teachers”. They are gifted and very creative in how they engage children with different learning style. That is a tough thing to do. For those of us who have children, just think how different each child is. My hats off to those teachers. I personally think that being a teacher is one of the toughest most rewarding career to enter into. Some may think that teachers have summer breaks and holidays . In their defense-REAL TEACHERS (Bermudian or guest workers)never stop working- even on holidays or hours after school( they can’t apply for overtime you know). They are always looking for new and innovative ways to help OUR CHILDREN. Yes, they do challenge our children and they should. It’s called stimulating the mind which results in growth and maturity in our youth. Mediocrity doesn’t get = scholarships. Everyone knows at least one teacher that have those attributes. THANK THEM -validate their efforts.
All of that said, I think those teachers who are just not cut out for teaching (teachers: if you don’t qualify ignore otherwise…
- who are just in it for the holidays and summers off
-dare I say even those who are guest here in Bermuda make their money,(teaching jobs don’t pay much in their countries) didn’t teach a thing and leave ” sitting pretty”- if you don’t qualify ignore otherwise…
- who are cheating our children and just giving grades that do not reflect what is truly happening. (again if it doesn’t apply to you…)
You know who you are! It is truly time for you think of about what your other strengths and consider a different occupation. Quite frankly, you are wasting your time, taxpayers money and more importantly are doing a disservice to our children and the future of Bermuda =your future.
At the end of the day, I hope all decisions made not based on $$ or political gain but are in the best interest of OUR CHILDREN AND OUR COUNTRY!
So, the question is; WHO exactly is paying for Dr. Glaze and her whole team? Who is paying their airfare, their accommodation, their meals …
What’s the catch? With this government there’s always a catch.
Family man … I wonder the same thing…..Who is going to pay for Dr Avis Glaze and her team to come here ?I think the dame is once again has had to much champagne…..I do not believe that this Doctor and her team is going to come to Bermuda free of charge !!!!! I think Everest should get to the bottom of this… or better still have the Dame on his show….and what about the delegation that came here a few months ago from some African country…to help Bermuda, I think it might have been where our premiers husband is from…what the hell was that all about ? and did we pay for this delegation to come here from some african country…Paula Cox, has a lot to answer to, and the only person that is paying attention to what is going on is Everest Da Costa, like him or hate him …he has become the voice of reason…
I must say that this is very amusing. As someone who lives and works in Toronto, Ontario (where this supposed Consultant advises the current Ontario Premier), I know first hand that the current education system leaves a lot to be desired, especially given the large disapproval ratings concerning the quality of educators, and the courses offered (this “consultant’ works for the same Ontario government that actually gave credence to the idea of a racially segregated school(s) in Toronto).
I suppose I shouldn’t ask whether or not the person(s) and department(s) responsible for consultant procurement bothered conduct a thorough background check or if they simply said, “Non-Bermudian with a fancy title, demanding 6 figures? They must be good, book it!” I may not be a qualified teacher, but I’m sure there are at least a few local experienced educators who are familiar with the system, its successes and shortcomings, who have a vested interest in the improvement of the system who would love the opportunity to outline ideas and areas for improvement. At the end of the day, most consultants are akin to mercenaries – loyal to their paychecks, not the country / organization that signs them.
You want us to buy Bermuda? Then start with your own qualified people!
Amen…
Bermudian living abroad, I have no problem with your wanting to “BUY BERMUDA” but please do not diss Ms. Avis Glaze ability. She has an excellent track record. I have very close relatives who have worked with and speak highly of her. In addition to that If you google her name, you will see that Minister Smith made a good choice. Our Country is in crisis and all we seem to do is knock every thing.Maybe you can set the example and return to Bermuda and not enrich another country with your skills.
My sentiments are mine and not masterminded by the UBP, OBA, PLP or no darn P.
@Shaka no disrespect to Dr. Avis or her abilities and credentials. Much disrespect is intended for the Gov’t of BDA, MOE and the Dame. Why is another consultant considered to be necessary when there are so many highly qualified teachers on Island, who have degrees and experiences in areas such as curriculum advancement, curriculum management, special education,educational research, reading literacy etc… the list goes on. So many have gone away to school and busted their tales all because they want to come back and give something great to their community but at every step is denied the opportunity by the government. There are individuals who are capable if given the task and time, who will make a positive change in the education system. The constant hiring of consultants that have become a revolving door is madness and seems to produce no results, as each time a new plan is put forth amid a grand gesture i wait for the crickets to chirp because eventually those ideas will get thrown to the wayside. MOE has an officer of accountability, maybe his efforts should be directed at GOVT itself (wait I guess you don’t bite the hand that feeds you) My point is there are many “locals” who capable of laying out, instituting and seeing changes through to the end, it won’t even cost MOE any housing allowance or travel expenses. Cannot for the life of me understand why someone who has no understanding of the local landscape is the desired preference to fix what is broken….SMH
Consultants are used mostly to keep secrets from the Public – for consultants are not accountable to the People, they are only accountable to the MoE or the Minister. But the MoE bloated bureaucracy is our main problem in the first place. So nothing is gonna change cuz they have vested interests. Just like nothing has changed within the PLP. Same ol’ same ol’!
shaka, with all due respect to Ms Glaze, a quick Google will produce an incredible number of hits regarding her (including her own website avisglaze.com) but they all read like infomercials. They tout her abilities but I can’t find a single commentary about what she’s actually accomplished.
I can provide info on Dr. Glaze’s accomplishments but I am just another darn foreigner, who is going to listen to me?
Bermuda’s Education System is like a 5 STAR Hotel. However, unless the staff is competent the stars soon lose their glow. Back in my day teachers were teachers in a system that allowed them to teach. Today, so much red tape.
Again I stress. The fact that some Bermudians are making it is proof that the system is not bad; what is needed is proper leadership.
Sorry but the fact that “some” Bermudians are making it is not proof that the system isn’t bad. It’s simply proof that some individuals will make it no matter how bad the system is. The stars will always shine.
@Shaka:
My intent was not to ‘diss’ Ms. Glaze at all. I’m sknow she is very qualified and I’m sure that she has an excellent track record of service. However my point is that despite her formal qualifications and past employment, there is undoubtedly a pool of well qualified local persons with similar qualifications and experience. Moreover, the local pool of talent would be arguably more in-tune with the needs of the education system from a cultural point of view. It is worth remembering that all countries have unique approaches to education both as a construct and as a system of delivering the knowledge required for integration with that society (you don’t see the US, Canada or the UK hiring foreign consultants to help fix their educational problems). That being said, what works in Canada may or may not work in Bermuda. Before spending the six figures of tax payer dollars required for Ms. Glaze’s services, transporting her, feeding her, housing her, et al. might it not make more sense to give our Bermudian experts the opportunity to consult on these matters?
I agree that our country is in crisis. However, simply agreeing with all of the actions taken on our behalf won’t solve our problems (likewise, neither will disagreeing with all of the actions taken). My comments were not meant to tear any actions down, but rather to foster a stimulating discussion (which is part and parcel of what democracy is about is it not?).
Lastly, as a Bermudian, I would relish the opportunity to return home and ply my hard-earned skills. However unfortunately, Bermuda does not offer the scope, depth and variety of opportunities that are suited to my skills and education (at least not yet as Bermuda is behind the global curve in many matters). That is not to say that I won’t return home at some point. However at this point in my life, I think it prudent to enhance my skill set and experience on an international scale in order to better serve my country. And when Bermuda does decide to hire me as a consultant (or when i decide to return of my own accord), it will be with an expanded knowledge base, top-shelf international experience AND a connection to Bermuda that is unequaled amongst my foreign counterparts. Hopefully we can have a further discussion when I do return Shaka. I look forward to it.
well said…anybody listening????
“(this “consultant’ works for the same Ontario government that actually gave credence to the idea of a racially segregated school(s) in Toronto).”
WOW all I can say……………………
LOL
no wonder doc Brown said we had to decive you…the dame is a joke….and now we have the Col Burch…wanting to return to politics…these two old timers need to call it quits…. how old is Jennifer ?.. and how old is the sick Col Burch ? and this Island is being run by these a$# holes……and we are allowing this to happen….
Not for long….
It’s al part of the family, Family man.
It’s free. Another loan from Canada. Dipo-lations….
dame jennifer very good doing more with less..no matter what you do or how good you do it there will always be the negative ones that have negative things to say…and nothing positive to say at all.
keep up the good work you have always had the education system at heart and your doing an excellent job..
Carl,are you serious ? the dame is doing more with more….not less….it is fools like you that have your blinders on ….what the hell is wrong with you ?
Hey Carl, if the dame is doing such an excellent job ,,why does she need to bring in an expert from Canada ? I think you need to take the blinders off Carl…it is fools like you that have Bermuda in the mess that we are in …you say that the Dame has always had the education system at heart!!!!so what has she done ?
SMH, sighing, rolling my eyes as I’m writing this(multi tasking)..here we go yet again looking for outside help as to how we should run OUR schools….I’m sure by now someone at the department must have realised by now that what might work for one country, school district etc might not work for another…we have had consultant after consultant come in offer advice, try this, try that and the minute we think that it looks good on paper we run with it…
Yup!!
Vell you lot , vah right back where we started , at de beginnin
British (Cambridge) curriculum, American (Everyday Math) math programme, American (literacy collaborative) language programme, Canadian consultant….wow!!!!! And I guess as teachers have being saying for eons and eons…..this too shall pass!
Our children……what next will happen to them! How many times have we been down this road , studies, papers presented, all these different cirriculums , and more consultants! What the hexxll do these people know about our children? First and foremost, our children have problems that are in direct correlation to the social climate of this country. Their learning ability is hampered with things that go on outside of the school. Parents can’t even look after their children, let alone go to a PTA meeting, because they are working two jobs to make ends meet!! Dame Jennifer Smith, are you listening? Money is wasted on these reports or implementation only to be stacked on a dusty shelf in the Education Dept. They can’t even put together a simple curriculum on BERMUDA’S OWN,Black, White, Portuguese history. What happened to tightening the belts? Too much money is wasted on an education system that produces no satisfactory or great results. Somebody ( obviously not Dame J. Smith) has to have the GUTS to fire all the Education Administration!!! This is all their fault. Why you getting paid for failure, you all need to be FIRED!!! You’ve been there too long and don’t care about our children. You all just waiting to be retired! Just ‘pencil pushers’ making big bucks for nothing. Our schools can use that money you are making to buy much needed school supplies. Our children deserve better than this!
Yup, I’m an angry black woman!!
Are there any teachers, students or parents who want to comment on what this means to them? I am not a “client” per se but I wondered about how “Instructional leadership”, “school improvement teams”, “individualized improvement plans” and “emergency response plans” fits for people who are directly connected to a public school? According to the report, both “strengthen and distribute leadership” and “improve the efficiency of delivery” are DONE. Yes?
Tsk Tsk, Such a shame, letting go of so many good teachers, yet hiring a Canadian for consaltation, are you serious, Dame Smith, stop the craziness, stop putting Bermudians outta work and giving strangers the JOBS,Geeshhhhh.Only in BERMUDA.
There are Bermudians well qualified to do the same thing Dr Glaz was hired to do, Give your own a chance first before hiring outside of our country..Get it together Government, please..
As I mentioned above, PLP’s MoE has a lot of deep dark secrets that must be kept from the Public at all costs. If a qualified Bermudian was hired, once they learned what was REALLY going on at the MoE, they might become a whistle blower (like another outspoken Bermudian did with Tourism) and tell us the truth of what is, or is not, going on behind the scenes. I’m sure we would all be shocked to learn the truth about the Ministry of Education who steadfastly refuse to cut their own bureaucracy, but instead fire teachers. That’s the PLP for ya. Time for a big change.
Started to comment . . . soooo dumbstruck, frustrated and angry right now that the words can’t even flow properly.
CALLING ALL PARENTS: THESE ARE OUR CHILDREN THAT THEY ARE PLAYING WITH!!!! WE NEED TO STAND UP AND STOP THIS FOOLISHNESS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
AGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE AGREEEEEEEEEEEE TIME TO STAND UP AND TAKE OUR ISLAND BACK!!
Yes!!!
As for Ms Glaze’s services being “free”, dream on – somebody is picking up the cost of her visit. And regardless of what recommendations she comes up with someone is going to be hired to implement them (three guesses as to which consultant that will be).
Whilst I understand the need to use consultants on occasion, this is NOT one of them. Are we to believe that a suitable team of Bermudian advisors cannot be found for this purpose? Our teachers who went the extra mile to obtain specialised credentials have every right to be offended. I guess the unwritten Government policy remains,–If a Minister lacks the ability to do his/her job, sit back and use an overseas consultant. You can bet your last dime this latest debacle will NOT be free at the end of the day.
Irony to this whole thing is, I was reading The Virginian Pilot this morning and the front page article was about Schools.
Diversity: Our Schools’ Unbalanced Equation. …..
Regions teachers don’t mirror the children in their classrooms.
“Children do better in school when their instructor is the same race.”
Good and informative article if you pull it up on ‘Pilotonline.com.
A great day to all.
Dumb
Dum
Dumber
why?
why have all of those Bermudian educators with PHds? It is there job.
Lunacy.
and here we go again. Wait until she tackles just one teacher or principal. Those Unions will fight to keep their member no matter what. and we will have the monitor situation all over again.
Dumb. Get rid of the hierarchy in the ministry if they can’t do the job. Paper pushers.
Yeah, and my unemployed spouse is one of them. Don’t EVEN get me started, this Bermudian is packing up. Sorry, but they COULD be using him. Why not, one might ask? Well, you see, he knows what he’s doing AND he isn’t any of their bestest friends or relatives. He’s only the spouse of a Bermudian, so what could he possibly know? Oh- and he speaks his mind, doesn’t pull punches, and can smell bull$hit a mile away. They need to get rid of that commissioner, she’s too scared to do her freaking job- not that she knows what that is, anyway.
Thank you for your insider view, Dis. I would have thought that that might happen now and then to those who speak their mind. There’s only ONE MIND here and that’s the PLP Cabinet. You do what they want, or else….
So what are we going to do? We see cobwebs and all we do is brush them aside, moan and complain about the cobwebs. Tomorrow the cob webs reappear and we bitch and wonder why??? Our heads are so deep in the sand it never crosses our minds that all we need to do is..REMOVE THE SPIDER.
One of the significant findings in the Hopkins report was that teaching/instruction in the schools was of low standard and mediocre at best. School Principals, teachers and Teachers Union were aware of this finding. Research proposed that “good quality teaching and parental involvement” is the two key factors to improve student’s learning.
Educators were aware of these findings, but did any of them come together as a collective group to suggest how they could improve these concerns? Did any teachers within their schools come together to push towards excellent teaching instruction to ensure improvement in their students’ academic achievements? Teachers and the teachers Union did not seem to put forward a method to improve instruction. The focus was mostly on a pay increase when Union action is often taken, and not how to improve and get academic results for our children. Too much time has passed by and the performance of teachers and students has not really improved on higher level. Teachers could have been more powerful and pushed for a strong voice to improve instruction, as a group without the ministry of education direction. Unions today must lead in this direction as it is a part of teachers’ performance.
At times outside persons tend to more objectives in providing information. But, this does not suggest they should remain in Bermuda for an unlimited period of time, or are always required to be here. But, let’s wait and see what Dr. Glaze can or cannot provide to Bermuda’s educators. Nevertheless, Bermudians can often be resentful accepting information from their own educated colleagues. It is hoped that Dr. Glaze can provide some effective instruction on teaching and learning to Bermuda’s teachers and students, during her short stay here. But it is also up to teachers to grasp the concepts and push towards quality teaching of our children. Educators must also step-up the wicket and aim for a home run. Only time will time, as educational performance is not the easiest thing to change.
Dame Smith is on the right track, and is pushing for the best for our children. She did not attempt to change the entire game, she only attempting to implement the recommendations of the Hopkins report, and for that she must be praised. Too often Ministers come in and change the entire game, and accomplish nothing; she has done so much in a short period of time.
Talk without “Works” is dead
Government is not paying for services, but it is likely that a public & private partnership with education may be in place. This is excellent as it reflects that the private sector is willing to make an investment in Bermuda’s most valuable capital, which are our beautiful children.
We can bring in all the education consultants we like but until parents understand their role in the scheme of things nothing will change. When parents are involved in the education of their children and when parents ensure that their children’s homework is completed every day, and when parents support the teachers in disciplinary matters, children usually respond positively.
We don’t need education consultants, what we need is parental guidance.
Every consultant that this Ministry has hired (there have been many,read $$$) has been billed as the panacea for all that ails our education system. Another “expert”is unlikely to change this.
It is foolish to expect our own qualified people and unions to take the lead in this matter,primarily because no one listens to them.
Perhaps Smith should review the files of all teachers who have the appropriate credentials, invite them to a meeting,including the PS,and ask for their opinions/ideas.
She could then form a small advisory board, and formulate a plan to present to Cabinet.
Often an “Expert” is unlikely to change something, because frequently, our Educators are unwilling to change and implement new ideas and effective teaching skills. Some Educators are lazy and not there for the correct reasons. If we want change we must seek to do whatever it takes to get it done !!!
As I read these posts regarding our education system I am shaking my head. How we as Bermudians can even suggest that we have BERMUDIANS that are capable of doing a job of revamping our Education systems which includes, The Education Ministry, Principals, Teachers and all staff that work within the system is a joke to me. The reason we are in the mess we were in is because we as Bermudians are NOT professional enough to step up to a plate an do a good job. The Ministry is full of a whole group of paper pushers that have been there forever. The incompetent Principals are allowing teachers to remain in their schools when they know as much about teaching as the man on the moon. It really sad. If you are good friends with people, you are allowed to get away with doing NOTHING all school year. I know that we have lost a lot of good valuable teachers and many of the schools are left with lots of lazy individuals that care less about the education of our children. They are collecting a paycheck and that is all they care about.
I am willing to pay to have Mrs. Glaze come in and do a clean sweep of our education system. If she can break up the favortism that exists because we are a close knit society who gravitate toward hiring our friends rather than hiring the best person for the job. Parents need to stand up and cry aloud and spare not when it comes to our education system. We are being short changed due to the lack of professionalism and our children walk away without the skills necessary to compete in this global jungle. Mrs. Glaze needs to start with the Ministry, get rid of all the people that don’t have a legitimate reason to be there taking up space and not making any valuable contribution to the education of our children. I don’t mind paying for something because if you don’t pay at this level we will pay the prison system heavily for the behavior that comes from being left sitting on the wall. Mrs. Glaze needs to weed out all the the principals that are not doing their jobs, who are sitting off in their offices yaking and talking about one employee to another employee and thinking that it professional. Morale is at an all time low in our schools and the reason is that teachers are looking for the discipline and structure that our children are looking for.
So Bermuda, if you want to lead than grow up and stop acting like spoiled brats. To all the GOOD teachers out there that have been displaced due to a flawed system, fear not, all the jokers will soon be exposed. Parents take your rightful place and go to the schools and check to see what your child is learning. Make teachers accountable, ask for your childs work and see what grades they have on tests, worksheets, etc. You have a right to know.
Mrs. Glaze, I hope that you will provide us with tools that will make our Principals and teachers far more accountable than what they are presently. We need this desperately or our children will be left behind. Not everyone is able to afford to send their children to home school, private school or abroad to school to ensure that he/she is able to get a proper education.
Pat, what makes you think that Ms Glaze will do anything that’s different from the work done by previous consultants? Another report that won’t be implemented?
Anything that will make the MoE, Principals, or teachers accountable will simply be ignored.
Well Simple Question, we the people of Bermuda will have to stand up and demand that these reports be aired to the public and demand results. The report should be presented at different locations for the public to know and give feedback on how this will be successfully implemented into our schools. A timeline will have to be drawn up and that timeline will be monitored by the PEOPLE. Not the Lazy workers we have in place now who deliberatly shelve these reports because they know it will require them to do more than what they are presently doing. This lady has come here to help us. We the Parents and Tax payers need to fight for our cause, Education has to be forefront in our thinking at all times. I don’t know if she will do anything different because there is nothing new under the sun BUT there are many ways to execute the processes and procedures necessary to upgrade the lazy system that we have. My hope is that she will look at every one of the processes and procedures, every job description and see if these match up with what the Global community is expecting from us. I would agree that we have had many consultants pass through here and all the reports are on the self collecting dust however, unless we are willing to make everyone accountable based on the recommendations of these consultants then they are wasting their precious time coming to Bermuda. We are mad about the amount of money that is paid to consultants but we must blame ourselves. If you hire someone to do a job for you and you pay them handsomely and then don’t take their advice, is it the consultants fault? NO, it is your fault for wasting his tims and effort and not appreciating the advice given. We think that we can do better as Bermudians but I beg to differ because we are too concerned about the money and the fact that someone is getting paid bigger bucks than we are and we could do the job. Well, prove it. Based on the website, Mrs. Glaze has travelled the world and has been successful in many areas of her work. I am looking forward to what she has to report to us. The only reason why the other consultants reports have gotten dumped is because we have had too many changes in the Education Ministry. How many Education Ministers have we had in the past 10 years??? As one comes, they go and leave the Education Ministry in a Bigger mess than when they came. The last one was a joke and an embarrassment to the country. He had no clue which way was up.
We Bermudians tend to make fun of or don’t want to be classed as “West Indians” BUT, I am going to make the bold statement that if we had half as much drive for Education as the West Indians, we would be so much better off. These people press toward the highest mark, NONE of them would be satisfied with the half way teaching standards that we have been subjected to. There would be some uprising and marching in the streets and in school yards like you wouldn’t believe. Ask anyone of the West Indians that you know, and they will proudly tell you that Education is on the highest priority list for them. So, Bermudians, what is OUR problem?
@ Pat, you have made some important points, and as I said it is time for the School Principals, administrators, Teachers and Unions to take a stronger position to ensure effective learning and teaching. Unions are loud on “pay increases”, but seldom do they speak loudly enough on “effective teaching”. If they make enough noise they will be heard. Mr. Charles speaks loud only on those issues regarding pay or unfair job policies, but Union roles worldwide have changed and evolved and see their roles as also encouraging teachers to perform on a high level.
Also, a consultant can do their job to the best of their ability, but it is important for teachers, administators and educators to step up to the wicket and absorb the knowledge and skills that have been passed on to them. It is important that if Educators are Real about making a different in our children’s lives they will do whatever it takes to accomplish such a goal. The education of our children is important for Bermuda’s future.
Pat,
You comments generated an interesting discussion this afternoon. The general feeling was that you are spot on with your comments and suggested remedies.
However, it was strongly felt that Ms.Glaze will never have the authority to deal with the Principals,teachers etc. in the manner you suggested, this is really unfortunate,as it was felt to be essential.
The Minister and PS will be forced to back off by the unions, and Ms. Glaze and staff will simply collect their free tickets, send the other bills to ??, and catch a free taxi to the airport.
And Bermuda will await the arrival of another consultant.
I agree Specialgirl4. Do you remember the gentlman that came to Bermuda late last year, he was a principal at a school and he spoke frankly about Education and that there needed to be a weeding out of those who are in the Education system just for the money. He was a serious guy but once again it went into one ear and out the other as soon as he got on the plane, the Education dreamers said “Thank God he is gone. He would have gotten us all fired.” It was a packed house at Heritage Worship Center that night and all the people were drinking in this guys observations and experiences. However, there is a underworld/undercurrent that runs through this island that will destroy anything that is set up to help us to grow. As long as we have this mentality and behaviour we will be were we are right now, moaning and complaining on talk shows and in our individual circles about the need for a better Education syste.
I was just thinking on how perception becomes reality. If we write off students before they even walk in the door, then don’t you think they will live DOWN to those expectations? Just because they belong to a certain socioeconomic group or come from a rotten neighbourhood doesn’t mean that they can’t/won’t achieve. I’m not an educator, but I was one of those kids whose parents didn’t give a damn about my education, I was one of those kids from a crappy neighbourhood, I was one of those kids with an alcoholic parent, I came from an abusive and chaotic home, often going to school without the proper attire or even a proper lunch. I also have ADD- only diagnosed now that I am an adult- school was always hard work, nothing came easily. I have a really great job now, even in this economy, and a Master’s Degree. Why, might you ask? Because I took charge of MY OWN future early on. I don’t know how, but the light bulb went off and I decided that my will alone was the only thing I could count on.
We’ve raised our children to blame circumstance, to believe that what they hear about themselves is true- that they are underprivileged, that they are under-represented in the workplace, that they need extra special education because they learn differently…granted, there are some to whom that does apply. But we’ve set the bar WAY too low, and somehow, we’re all more than okay with that.
Early on, I realized that the only way I wasn’t going to be JUST like the generation before and all the ne’er-do-well’s in my armpit of a neighbourhood was that if I took an interest in my future. If I determined what the course of my life would be, and if I could steel myself to those who said my dreams were unattainable for someone like me. No one else was to blame for my failure, but equally, there was no one to thank for my success. I got no special hand up for any reason. I worked several jobs, some very menial, to get through college and grad school.
I’m not smart, but the one thing I do know how to do is work hard. THAT should be the message we send our youth, that they need to be interested themselves, no one else can study for them or sit in classes on their behalf. One glaring thing I’ve noticed is that by and large, our kids don’t really care all that much about school. Flunk a class? No problem, it’s not your fault.
Accountability in the schools needs to be for everyone- certainly for the teachers, there’s no excuse for the current standards- but also for the students. The best teachers in the world won’t be able to get through to students who just don’t care- for whatever reasons. I’m not saying that it’s necessarily the students’ fault, but we have systematically removed personal accountability from EVERY tier of our schools, the students included.
I don’t have the answers, but there’s so much more we need to work on apart from bashing the system. Let’s turn to what messages we send our youth, and what expectations we have of them. It’s not the whole answer, but it is a piece.
I am very proud of you Fed Up, you are a testimony to all the kids our there that find themselves in the same situation and need encouragement. I agree that Accountability needs to be embraced by all of us. The Home and School. I know there are kids that don’t have breakfast, don’t have proper Uniforms, don’t have anyone to help them with their homework etc. This is a sad situation and again we the public need to rally around each other and offer help where we can. There are programs in place to help kids after school with their homework but unfortunately, they still have to go home to unstable home environments and not get the care, concern or even rest that they need to be able to think the next day.
When we grew up, we had the extended family in our neighborhoods. We all shared in the raising of the kids and the food, shelter and clothing was also shared. How many people remember eating supper at the neighbors house and vice versa and we were not rich either. We had simple home cooked meals and we all ate the same thing. There was not preparation of special foods for each child or adult. You ate what was prepared and appreciated it.
Thanks, Pat- I appreciate your thoughts.
All I’m trying to say is that if I can do it, so many others can, too. All it takes is hard work, you don’t need to be gifted with parents who can afford to send you to school- I wasn’t. I worked my way through, I worked for every blessed thing- so where is that fire and passion in our youth? That’s the flame we need to fan.
Throwing more money at the problem isn’t going to work- look at how badly that’s failed us to date. Good, really good, old-fashioned teaching. Create cultures in our schools where the most frequently-heard phrases isn’t ‘IF you go to college’, but ‘WHEN you go to college’. Create the expectation of excellence, not just adequacy or competence. Kids tend to live up to expectations, and we need to try that. The expectation is that they will behave themselves in class. The expectation is that they will try their best. I just don’t know how we change that. In a system where the unspoken message is that ‘You really won’t amount to much, so all we have left to nurture is your self esteem- so if you just show up, you get a prize.’- what do we expect???? We have demeaned the efforts of those who do want to work hard by lauding the most pathetic stab at something. No. You get positive reinforcement when you achieve, when you actually work. We won’t stop trying to help, but you only get the serious kudos when you’ve got something real to show for it. That could be a sliding scale, but I’m tired of P4′s coming home with perfect grades on spelling tests that P1′s would pass!!! We set the bar low and eradicated the desire to do great things. It’s our fault, for sure, but we need to get that fire in each child lit once again.
What I was rather trying to express, and maybe poorly, is that there is so much laziness in our kids today. Any smallest effort is praised as if they just ran a marathon. The word ‘lazy’ isn’t meant as a racial thing, either. Plenty of lazy white kids, too. Matter of fact, my friends who come from away and teach in some of the ‘whiter’ private schools tell me that same thing. The kids are ‘nice’, but really lazy and unmotivated on the whole. In a place where we have the opportunity to really make a difference, to have a world-class education system both public and private, we waste that. Our kids
Sorry, ranted on. Meant to finish with ‘Our kids deserve better, and our system’s lost sight of that in a politicized education system.’
Gaaah, I hate what’s happened to our schools…
champagne Jennifer at it again… Much like her BS junket to the University of West Indies, or more pertinently the Canadian consultant who was brought in by her personally during the early months of her Premiership – that latter resulting in a ‘feelgood’ flyer being put in every post box in Bermuda. Thirteen years on and not much to show for it apart from another two generations of lost youth.
Anyway, all water under the bridge, but here’s a thought that might hopefully get some traction: let’s look at Sweden (as I suspect the Hon. Dale Butler has). In Sweden, the government pays for students to attend private, for profit schools – this has been going on for about a decade. Net result, parents have a choice, poor schools close, good ones boom. Overall academic levels in Sweden have through this period continuously risen in all key mean and median measurements normally used. If Dame Jennifer is serious about fixing education, perhaps she would be well advised to check out the Swedish model.
p.s. Someone please tell her to try the herrings.