A UNESCO mission to provide technical assistance to St. Kitts and Nevis as the Federation seeks to revie
w its Education Policy and, subsequently to develop a medium term Education Sector Strategy continued during the week of November 17-21.
Initially In June 2014, UNESCO led a scoping mission to identify areas to be included in the Review. Based on a number of stakeholder consultations within and outside of the education sector, four policy domains were identified for inclusion. These were Curriculum, Academic Staff Policies; Teaching and Learning and finally Governance, which involves planning, monitoring and evaluation and education finance.
Coordinator of the National Education Sector Policy Review Dr. Neva Pemberton explained that the most recent visit was the first of two policy review missions that would take place over the course of the review period and would look at some of the areas flagged for review.
Programme specialist in Education Planning and team leader from UNESCO Headquarters Ms. Megumi Watanabe curriculum specialist consulting for UNESCO; said the mission focused on validating findings from the national report, listening to a wide range of stakeholders; and sounding out a set of policy recommendations specific to the Governance and Curriculum components.
Mr. Phil Stabback, Curriculum Expert consulting for UNESCO assisted in a series of meetings with curriculum unit staff,
The consultation included meetings with Ministry of Education Officials, Principals, Early Childhood Supervisors, Teachers’ Union representatives. Consultations with other ministries included officials from Tourism, Social Services, Community Development, Youth, Sports, Cultural Foundation, Finance, Planning and Health.
Next steps include UNESCO returning early in 2015 to meet with stakeholders regarding the other two areas: Academic Staff Policies and Teaching and Learning.
By May/June 2015, UNESCO will assist the Ministry of Education and Information in completing the medium term Education Sector Strategy, using this Policy Review, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy Review conducted in 2013, the White Paper, and other sources as an evidence base.
Background:
With the development and adoption of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS), states within the sub-region are tasked with aligning national education plans with the sub-regional strategy. While SKN has been guided by the 2009-2019 White Paper on Education Development and Policy, the Ministry of Education and Information recognized the need to build upon the White Paper and develop a bona fide strategic plan, with a clear performance assessment framework and costing, etc.
It was determined in consultation with UNESCO that with a number of policy areas to consider in the development of a sound strategy, a Policy Review would be beneficial before developing the sector strategy.