With schools set to reopen in a matter of weeks, and no clear reopening strategy in sight, Shadow Minister of Education and Training Dr Angela Brown Burke is calling on Education Minister Fayval Williams to clarify the intended plan to guide this venture.

Burke, in expressing the concern of parents, teachers and the general public, whose questions regarding the reopening of schools have remained largely unanswered, has argued that Williams needs to provide a clear approach for how at-risk students – that is those performing below grade level, those who were not effectively engaged during the last school year and those with unique learning styles – will be accommodated and treated in the new school year.

In a press release on Monday (August 16), Brown-Burke impressed upon the minister the importance of the need to set specific targets, in consultation with teachers and principals, to allow all stakeholders to monitor progress against established goals, and actively participate in the children’s education.

With regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, Burke insisted that the education minister’s plan must account for a high number of COVID-19 infections which are likely over the next few weeks.

She stated: “So far, the Ministry has not demonstrated that they recognise the importance of face-to-face engagement for many of our students. As the ministry prepares for a blended approach, it is important that all our schools can effectively and consistently deliver virtual learning as well as safely accommodate face-to-face engagement.”

As such, Brown-Burke has called for Williams to ensure that necessary repairs are done and that all infrastructural improvements are completed to best support students and teachers.

Arguing that students and parents are already anxious about the upcoming school year, and the raft of price and fare increases is adding further trepidation, Brown-Burke called for financial support to be provided to parents in need.

In closing, Brown Burke shared: “I am pleased to see the minister acknowledge that 68 per cent of our public school teachers have been vaccinated. This indicates a better uptake than the general population. Let’s continue to engage and encourage them to increase that number.”