OBA’s Ben Smith On Education Reform & More
“Before we reorganise the system again, Bermuda deserves to understand the problem we are solving, the evidence supporting the proposed solution and the results we should expect it to produce,” Opposition Leader and Shadow Education Minister Ben Smith said.
Mr Smith said, “Recently, I asked the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, for the Government’s current timeline for transitioning Bermuda’s public education system to the proposed two-tier model.
“The Minister did not provide it. Instead, he advised Parliament that a further update on the future direction of the Bermuda Public School System will be provided in October.
“We will await that announcement, but Bermuda needs more than another reform timetable.
“Education reform was underway. Elements were subsequently paused. Minister Rabain has now returned to the Education portfolio and Government is again considering the future structure of our school system.
“Before further major structural decisions are made, Government should clearly answer three questions.
“What educational problem is moving from three tiers to two intended to solve?
“What measurable educational outcomes should improve as a result?
“When should parents expect to see those improvements?
“These questions matter because changing the structure of a school system is not, by itself, an educational outcome.
“There is also a question of sequencing.
“Parliament is preparing to debate legislation establishing an Education Authority. If the purpose of that Authority is to bring greater expertise and independence to the governance of public education, would it not be reasonable for the Authority to examine the evidence and advise whether a two-tier or three-tier structure provides the best educational model for Bermuda’s children?
“The PLP Government has an election commitment to implement a two-tier system. Fulfilling an election promise cannot be the measure of whether education reform has succeeded.
“The measure must be whether our children receive a better education.
“Before we reorganise the system again, Bermuda deserves to understand the problem we are solving, the evidence supporting the proposed solution and the results we should expect it to produce.”
Ben, why aren’t you talking about David Burt’s mess inside the PLP that he’s leaving behind on his way out?