EDUCATION PLATFORM

Our Vision The Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA) (“the Alliance”) seeks to provide the people of Bermuda with a Government that stands for equality of opportunity, social and economic justice, fiscal responsibility, security and safety, environmental sustainability, transparency, honesty and fairness in government for the benefit of all of Bermuda’s people. The Alliance promotes a political philosophy that is rational, liberal and progressive: rational because we base our politics on the principles of reason and free inquiry; liberal because we stand for a market-based economy and liberal democratic society; progressive because we understand our principles and values to be forward-looking and universal in scope.

Background Bermuda’s education system boasts the highest costs per student world- wide with many diverse programs within the public school arena; however performance, as measured by student outcomes is woefully sub-standard. This is due to a number of historical problems including failed leadership, a lack of accountability and transparency within the system, and an inconsistent delivery and alignment of curriculum.

The future of Bermuda and our Island’s continued success depends on our children being effectively educated. Education is also a key factor in correcting Bermuda’s socio-economic disparities, which are increasingly manifesting themselves with escalating anti-social behaviour. The BDA believes that Education is a core issue which must be immediately addressed to ensure a viable future.

Problems A top heavy and ineffective Ministry of Education. An under-performing public school system, resulting in lack of public confidence, and withdrawal of large numbers of students. Discipline problems involving both behaviorally and academically challenged children.

Problems Inconsistent and poor quality teaching in many classrooms throughout the school system. A legacy of “social promotion” where students are advanced without attaining the required standards for promotion. Failure to effectively guide students toward careers which support the Bermuda economy.

Problems Repetitive reviews and use of consultants, at great expense, without implementation of recommendations. A poorly managed, substantive and excessive budget resulting in a economic crisis within the Ministry. The cumbersome and overburdening process for applying for scholarships.

Solutions Immediate implementation of the Hopkins Report recommendations. The Hopkins Report did not require us to abandon our present education system. Instead, it advised that we should ‘dramatically improve’ the quality of teaching, ‘move quickly’ to improve the quality of leadership by principals, and ‘radically reform’ the Ministry of Education. These objectives can be achieved by strengthening the strategic management of the education system, by enforcing transparent accountability at all levels, and by raising the school leaving age.

Solutions Implement a moratorium on further reports and consultants until the Hopkins Report recommendations are fully enacted. It is not necessary to devote further funds on consultants when the focus should be on action.

Solutions Stop social promotion by implementing rigorous programs to ensure that students are prepared to move on to the next academic level. Enforce the established “Code of Conduct” to address disciplinary issues within the classroom, combined with an outreach program for parents, reviewing and supporting their responsibilities.

Solutions Publish without prejudice the results of annual standardized exams in a timely manner and hold Ministry employees accountable for these results. Hire and maintain the best teachers based on a contractual performance review. Require that teachers’ contracts are renewed based on individual performance and merit. A performance management system should be introduced whereby those teachers who are ineffective and who are unable to produce results are managed out while promoting those teachers who are exemplary.

Solutions Implement a Government coordinated after school academic support, sports and arts program for students. Make teaching of Bermuda’s economy, history and culture mandatory. It is important that all students know how our society functions and the role they play. Create a specialized training center for principals and teachers that will provide ongoing professional development and leadership training. Establish a central and non-partisan agency for applying for scholarships.