Smith: ‘Families Deserve Results, Not Rhetoric’
Opposition Leader Ben Smith has responded to Premier David Burt’s statement in the House of Assembly today [July 17], saying “after nine years, Bermudian families deserve results, not rhetoric.”
Mr. Smith said, “In the House of Assembly, the Premier spoke proudly today about education investment, scholarships and signature schools. But he left out other things which parents care about.
“After nine years in office, literacy and numeracy remain in crisis. Too many students are leaving the Bermuda public education system without the skills they need to succeed, while more parents than ever are making enormous financial sacrifices to move their children into private schools because they have lost confidence in the Government’s direction.
“Teachers have repeatedly raised concerns about the constant upheaval, the lack of support and political interference in education. Instead of acknowledging these realities, the Government continues to measure success by announcing programmes, instead of sharing the outcomes achieved.
“If the Government believes its education reform has been successful, it should publish the data.
“Show Bermuda whether literacy has improved. Show us whether numeracy has improved. Show us whether more students are graduating ready for university, college, apprenticeships and the workforce.
“The true measure of an education system is not how many initiatives are launched, but whether our children are learning more, achieving more and leaving school better prepared for life. After nine years, Bermudian families deserve results, not rhetoric.”
In the meantime, Clearwater Middle School sits rotting away. A lady has suggested it should be used as a Trade School.Using Cedarbridge as a prime example of teaching and encouraging students as they are in all areas. Eyes open shut is PLP.