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by pltm
(PLTM) - After months of being implemented, Minister of Education, Hon. Myron Walwyn continues to receive questions of doubt and concern regarding his Ministry’s decision to implement an additional school year (12th Grade) at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).
Questions came at the Minister during his online town hall meeting over the weekend, January 15.
Throughout 2016, residents rained on the decision with endless concerns, where many parents and teachers alike disapproved with the move.
The additional year, 12th Grade, saw its first cohort of students in September 2016.
Concerned, one resident questioned whether the Minister finds his move to be one that is in the best interest of the children and the future of the Territory.
The question went on to inquire the ways in which the new system addresses students who are socially promoted, whether or not the policies in place are yielding positive results and if there are any improvements in behavior and grades of students who are promoted and have not met academic standards.
Steadfast to his decision, the confident Minister noted that as far as his Ministry is concerned, the move to lengthen a student’s stay in school is in the best interest of the students and the Territory.
“It provides more time for students to master coursework, making them better prepared for life after high school in the world of work or in tertiary education. Better prepared young persons means more opportunities for them and better human resources to assist in the development of the Virgin Islands.”
Hon. Walwyn continued by stating that his Ministry has done significant work in understanding the learning styles and needs of the Territory’s students, to which they are providing additional courses so that students understand fundamentals and improve their reading and comprehension skills.
“One of the tracks in the 12th Grade afford students the opportunity to learn at a pace that is suitable to their learning style, while ensuring that those students receive a relative secondary education.”
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