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**John French II** » 2011-09-24 11:15

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Thanks. Primary and Secondary Education are the Nuetrons and Protons of Nation Building. Higher Education is the Electrons of National Longevity. "In the Fullness of Time" Much Appreciated. Go Well! Respect.

**Dr. Joyce Walston** » 2011-09-21 06:45

The M of E performance as a policy guru has been way below par. She has done nothing to increase positive results. Last year as Dr Newton mentioned she lowered the passing grade--and still--students are failing. Clearly, there is a system wide problem going on. But Jacqui seem not to know anything about managing a crisis. In fact, she will compare herself to pass failures and or successes. How sad. She does not even have a vision of excellence and a plan of action to execute for school children.

She neeeeeeeeeds HEEEEELLLLLLLPP PPP!

**Samuel James** » 2011-09-20 08:39

I like your mind. It is as sharp as the eye of an Eagle and as witty as the genuis of a highly accomplished scholar. That you were able to point out the blessing/curse dynamics of the glory days of our educaitonal system with such ease and honesty is deep. We have followed the colonial map of educating an elite few at the expense of the m**. But in an information driven economy, intellectual capital is the key. Our failure rte is not acceptable nor is our drop out rate. Keep the faith.

**John French II** » 2011-09-20 01:16

Notes From A native Son Of The Rock. Greater Love hath no Man. There must be away. Hope springs Eternal. Dr. Isaac Newton, I Salute You. With Respect.

**John French II** » 2011-09-20 01:01

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Thanks for passing on the Credit. I offered MOE and the analysts my thanks. It is a start in the right direction. It was a pleasure to see you delving into the data and providing information to many readers. I had sincerely wished for many others to go through the data, which, even though not complete as stated by the analysts, is a real prize and a definite joy for me. We may not wish to admit it but Math, Science and English have always been heavy crosses for us as a people to bear. That we have had many briliant scholars and successful people in all fields is to be celebrated. I believe that that has been a blessing and a curse that has affected our elites with dire consequences for the silent majority. As I have stated, the GOAB in carrying out the IMF's Dictates coupled withthe Global Financial Downturn and a three year national recession have found the stage and backdrop to drastically transform the socio, economic, educational and political systems with a race to the bottom. It will take atleast a decade to recover from the wounds being inflicted by these North Atlantic Privateers. Excellent Work! Go Well. Keep The Faith! Respect.

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 22:39

Let me give credit to John French II for providing me with the url for ANTIGUA & BarBuda EDUCATIONAL STATISTICAL DIGEST, yesterday. I think its time we admitted that we have a education system that does not do enough to provide education to the m**. Its a system based on the belief that we should focus on the best and brightest. Enough is not done to help students who are struggling. There have been studies done on schools in Antigua, comparing resources at Clare Hall Secondary School to those at AGHS, which prove this. We instead focus on the students who do well. Yes they should be celebrated. However I doubt investors whose business are looking for an educated populace, will be drawn here with our already high cost for labor. We face a situation where either we educate our m** or look at lowering our labor costs(Heard a similar thing said about the USA)
..

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 22:34

Antigua Abroad you stated: "I'm not certain that the drop out rate is indicative of failures of the system itself...there may be other factors at play, including family environment, economics, etc."

A World Bank study on “Monitoring Educational Performance in the Caribbean”, after analysing
statistics for 10 countries, reported the following conclusions:
..
Secondary level coverage – coverage and completion was an issue of concern. While great progress has been made in the last five years on access to secondary education, the number of dropouts at that level is the most serious concern" Obtained from "DEVELOPMENT OF A CARICOM STRATEGIC PLAN FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES IN THE CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME) " by Dr. Didacus Jules.

Antigua Abroad, how can this not be an indication that an education system that should endeavor to educate the m** is failing to do this?
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**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-09-19 21:56

Tenman - I did not make the comparisons.... .the report you submitted did.

**Dr. Isaac Newton** » 2011-09-19 21:11

If we were to move our educational system from transactional to transformationa l as John French II encourages, then we would have to examine Tenman’s submitted data to determine its reliability en-route to targeting positive educational outcomes. Though this is a good starting point, the resolution road ahead will be long but rewarding.

I don’t want to be unfair to our educational system, especially given its historical track record of producing some of the finest and best minds. I feel the pride that Antigua Abroad parades. I am a product both of our nation’s public (Potters Primary) and private (Antigua SDA) school system. I think leaving the current school system unexamined is counterproducti ve to our thriving.

I hope that our ethical maturity will compel us to look beyond our relentless self-critique, even as we embrace international standards of excellence for Antigua & Barbuda, while refusing to ignore gaps between patterns of failure and cultures of success. Thanks ALL for making this discussion worthwhile!

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 20:50

Antiguan Abroad, again, its impossible to do a comparison especially where common entrance is concerned because the standards are now different in comparison to the past. It makes no sense to compare p** now when a pass mark of 70 is now 30 ( i am just using a figure because the ministry of education has never stated what the new pass mark is). In addition why would you compare the common entrance pass results with another island where the standard for a pass is higher?
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**Maths teacher** » 2011-09-19 19:56

Firstly the minister needs to get maths teachers in the school. There are lots of schools without the required competent math teachers. Check the country schools there are no teachers.

**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-09-19 19:50

Tenman - I'm surprised to hear you say you do not like to use "comparisons" as a tool to measure success/failure in the educational system. If not for comparisons, how else would one effectively evaluate things? I agree with you (and Dr. Newton) that there are problems in the educational system that need to be addressed. The internal processes can always be improved...ther e's no question there. I'm not certain that the drop out rate is indicative of failures of the system itself...there may be other factors at play, including family environment, economics, etc.

I prefer looking at trends since it gives an overview of the situation relative to time, competing nations and other factors. But I am surprised to hear the broad castigation of the Antiguan education system by some...I am a product of that system from many aeons ago and I have never felt at a disadvantage as I attended some of the finest institutions of higher education in the western world and competed against many of the smartest people on the planet. In fact, I have always been proud of the Antiguan educational system and have spoken glowingly of it to my foreign friends. Don’t throw cold water on my pride.

**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-09-19 18:21

Middlearderoad - I was not "interpreting", "implying", analyzing, or in any way offering an opinion on the raw data....I merely pointed out certain portions of the report, including referencing the relevant page numbers. Nor was I "refuting" any of Dr. Newton's observations. Do yourself a favor....read the report that Tenman so graciously provided and do your own analysis....the re's no reason for you to wait for others to do it for you.

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 18:14

antiguan abroad pay attention to page 21, in regards to the enrollment for 2009. It shows the figure for males: form 1: 627 form 2: 617 form3 form 4: form 5: 330 (page 21). Ask yourself how we can move from having 627 males in form 1 to then having only 330 in form 5? The major drop starts at form 4. Clearly the answer is that our males are under performing and dropping out of school. We need better drop out stats because the ones stated in this document are not complete. By the time they get to form 4 many of them are either 17 or 18 and probably choose instead to enter the work world. The numbers for females in form 1 show 568 compared to 419 in form 5.

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**tenman** » 2011-09-19 18:11

Antiguan Abroad I would prefer not getting into this comparison thing. The diffculty in doing such is its impossible to compare things when the standards are changing (Eg pass rates for common entrance have decreased). I shared something yesterday that I will again today. Look at the figures for persons passing English (which had the highest passing rate). You would then figure that this percentage would be the highest possibility of scholarships offered for government secondary schools yet of the 918 (out of a total of 1493) who passed at least one subject 1154 students were offered the option (scholarship) to attend a government secondary school. This means that some 236 or 20% of the students gained entry into secondary school without passing one subject. Are you then surprised of the repeat rates for both first 12.8% and second (18.7%) form?

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**Middlearderoad** » 2011-09-19 17:08

I see no clear evidence that the interpretation Antiguan Abroad identified from the data Tenman sent, refutes inteligently Dr. Newton's cleary convincing recommendations . Would someone please share with me how this Smart One--Antiguan Abroad slight implications matches the anlysis of this article on how to fix the failure rate that has been happening under Quinn-Leandro's watch? Someone please help me...

**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-09-19 16:42

Tenman - Thanks for sending the statistical digest...it's the closest thing I've seen to actual data on this hotly debated topic. On a cursory review, I noted a few trends - (i) primary school enrollment is significantly up since 2005 (pg. 19); (ii) junior secondary enrolment appears to have significantly dropped during the same period (pg. 20); (iii) secondary school enrollment has increased since 2003 (pg. 22); (iv) CEE pass rates have increased from a total of 61% in 2005 to 72% in 2009; (v) CSEC pass rates have increased steadily between 2000 and 2008; (vi) Antigua's enrollment rates for primary and secondary education compares favorably with other Caribbean islands between the period 2005 -2009 (pgs. 45 - 46).

I quickly extrapolated this data from the document you sent. It would perhaps be a good idea for the political pundits and "wise men" to do a more rational indepth analysis of these facts. Thereafter, they can offer constructive ideas to make the system even better.

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 16:13

Thinking, you are right. The result is still the same, failure

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**Thinking** » 2011-09-19 15:33

Tenman, your observation about the drop out rate is very sound. But remember that there is no fundamental difference in educational benefits to students and their parents between the FAILED OUT rate and the DROP OUT rate.

Dr. Newton's article suggested a holistic approach to educational outcomes based on research and practical insights on what could work in Antigua culturally without sacrificing international standards.

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 14:35

Educated National and showing how right you are, in that document i pointed Antiguan Abroad to: The glaring thing about is are the statistics on drop outs are clearly lacking which it admits. Now you would think that an agency which advocates education would have his eyes on the drop out rate.It states of the data:
Primary data 6/30 government schools and 8/31 private schools reporting
 Junior Secondary data 8/13 government schools reporting
 Secondary data 6/9 government and 3/10 private schools reporting

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**Educated National** » 2011-09-19 13:19

Despite my earlier post, I totally agree with you tenman, as well as the majority of the good doctor's article. I've said already that we need to create solid, achievable and realistic goals in terms of planning for our development. (Similar to China in their planning 100 years ahead.) These plans indeed need to transcend political sides to come up with a balanced and insightful view of the way forward. We also need to properly record important statistics and data so that we can locate and isolate problem areas (this goes beyond education as well) in order to come up with effective strategies to address these problems.
However the problem with the education sector goes far beyond the need for better salaries. In terms of math, we must find ways to make math more relateable to the youth, and this MUST start from the lowest (pre kindergarten) levels in order for these statistics to significantly improve

**Peterson Williamson** » 2011-09-19 13:05

Quality Education is the Key. Excellence is the Lock. Jacqui does not have any interest in both. Dr Newton your article is well written and full of practical ideas. Thanks Sir!

**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2011-09-19 12:29

I would not imply that prior to 2004 our Education system was 100%,there was still a lot of work to be done. After the loss of our most experienced teachers though,naturall y things took a nose dive. Those responsible for that process( getting rid of the teachers) are therefore responsible for our rapidly declining status.While the Deed was been carried out,it was considered a Great acheivement,may be you should get hold of the clip with the now education ministers voice, then Min of Labour,bragging that "FROTH A DE MOUTH,THEM NAR LISTEN TO R U". Meaning,the public servants were not listening to the opposition about been dismissed. I guess now, the world is listening as our Children continue to fail yr after yr. Tell me who would you blame?

**Naiomi** » 2011-09-19 12:25

You can't have a proper plan unless all stakeholders admits the the system is broken and as far as I can see NO ONE want to admit it. I see a bunch of selfish politicians from both sides who don't give a damn about Education. Every country in the world is empowering their children becAuse they believe that Education is the key to the future

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 12:18

A good place to start in getting an idea of whats going on is www.education.gov.ag/doc/AntiguaDigest3.pdf. We have a situation, by my calculations, that over 50% of our students never complete secondary school. In addition no more than 15% (the report says about 27% and includes both public and private schools but does not factor in the high drop out rate) of our students are able to complete secondary school and have at least 5 subjects including maths and English
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**Dr. Samuel Thomas** » 2011-09-19 12:18

Dr Isaac Newton is right, there is no evidence based research or data that inform educational planning or practice. This is a huge flaw. But Jacqui feels that she knows the world.

Antiguan Abroad, the government would have those statistics, why not ask the M of E for a copy. You will never get it. Try it!

**tenman** » 2011-09-19 11:51

Educated National I agree with your post that there is lack of critical thinking in this country. (here it comes) However, I agree with the writers sentiment. We need a proper plan for education. We need a proper study done on the issue with maths so we can find a logical way forward. Currently all that is happening is we are simply hiding things under the rug with the excuse of no funds.

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**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-09-19 11:42

Morris & UncommonSense - I do not have these yearly statistics...th at is information I'd like to take a look at before forming an opinion. If either of you have access to this information, please do share. Thanks

**Educated National** » 2011-09-19 11:30

You put it better than I ever could have. Though from my examination of this particular forum, I can tell you that you will have many people disagreeing with you.

What is disappointing is that many of the writers here seem to be pandering to the majority. They sense which way the political wind is blowing, and thus conform their opinions to suit the crowd.
It reminds me of the saying "There go the people. I must follow them, for I am their leader"
There is a massive lack of objectivity and rational thinking within those in Antigua and Barbuda, on both sides of the political spectrum. (Not unlike the events that led up to the Iraqi war in the US) People only want to hear information that supports THEIR view, without examining both sides fairly.

**UncommonSense** » 2011-09-19 11:00

You are on to something. That educational outcomes have fallen considerably under the UPP administration is indisputable. P** are lowered and students are doing worse. Ask for the record and look at the trend in the last 15 years. Make the comparison for yourself. That exercise is a worthy endeavor for you to invest some time in. Would you bring this data back to this forum? But I beg that Jacqui would not release that information.

I am sure your healthy suggestions would be ignored when the facts are revealed. You are dealing with a bunch of foolish leaders who hate excellence, professionalism and practical insights. Don't be discouraged by the complex analyses they reveal how we hate simple solutions. However, if white consultants who get paid millions for doing nothing, make a foolish recommendation, the UPP will implement it. They hate local talent!

**Morris** » 2011-09-19 10:59

The numbers speak for themselves and they don't lie. Have you been paying attention to the examination results at all levels for the past few years? Have you forgotten the ministers' "window dressing" reaction of lowering the passing grade to skew the numbers? Why did she do that? Well, we will never know, she did not explain her rationale. However, it does not take rocket science to figure out that there is something systematically wrong regarding education in ANU. There needs to be a comprehensive review of our methods, and we need to address education in a more holistic manner.

**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-09-19 10:07

What never ceases to amaze me is the tendency for politicians and political pundits in Antigua to complicate relatively simple problems and engage in endless hyperbole and overly-complex analyses. The key question should be….has the quality of education in Antigua declined significantly under the UPP administration? That is a question I’d love someone with the requisite knowledge of the facts to respond to, since it is fundamental to determine the competencies of the education minister, her staff, and the teachers. If the answer is in the affirmative, then the obvious solution would be to either replace the minister with a more competent individual, or vote in a party that puts quality education at the top of its agenda. If the answer is that the quality of education is on par with previous administration( s) or has actually gotten better, then all the outside rhetoric and noise is meaningless. …..the minister should then be complimented for being on the right track.

**Sharon Knight** » 2011-09-19 09:01

Dr. Newton are you upholding Jacqui in her incompetence? If she lowered the national passing grade and then one year later students are still failing maths, she needs to be fired.

I agree with you on the a school plan to address failure in maths and you are also right on the matter of assuming teacher's competence and student's preparedness.

I did not expect this kind of analysis coming from a man of your calibre. You usually call a snake a snake. Jacqui is comprehensively dottish and her arrogance is so steep that she is begin to feel that she better than Satan.

**Young Professor** » 2011-09-19 08:35

Doc you are a very very bright man. You fully know that part of the problem is to review whether the Minister of Education is competent and qualified for the job. The problem is that UPP Elected and Appointed Officials have not shown by their inability to solve our social and economic problems any iota of intelligence and competitive reasoning.

Although school failure is deeper than the minister's competence, should she understand the basics of running and educational system, she would have done the systemwide analysis that you suggested craft out solutions that are evidence based.

**PeterPan** » 2011-09-19 07:13

It all starts in Kindergarten - then Primary.
Look at the schools that do succeed.
Look at the teachers that succeed.
Look at the text books they use.
Strategise.
In Secondary School you should do an **sment in the first term then an intense remedial course as necessary.

**John French II** » 2011-09-19 05:23

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Doc Thanks. In most activities, Optics plays a critical role. The height to which the bar has been set is a tall order for one year, given that the bar had been recently lowered, the Optics suggests a lowering of expectations. Some refer to this type of action as "walking the Dog" as in Yo-Yo. At the Bottom of the Totem Pole in spending per capita at the Primary Level: Regional Average 13.5% A%B approx 5.5% Much better at the Secondary Level Regional Average 15% A&B approx 15.8%. Given the data, to realize the Goal for this academic year will require not only the active participation of all stakeholders - educators, students, parents and other publics - but also divine intervention especially to fullfil your hope for The UPP Government's turn-around Education Plan and not as I hasten to say a Transactional Intervention. Thanks for your wise counsel and exhortation inviting critical analysis. A most welcome and Reasoned Opinion Article in this Time of Despondency. Much Respect.

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