Today’s report that a draft framework for education quality inspections has been formulated is obviously welcome. It’s one thing to have an Inspectorate, but crystal-clear
and objective criteria are essential so there is no room for misunderstanding.
People shouldn’t think there is currently no supervision at all either. However, building on the foundation of the former country Netherlands Antilles that was dismantled per 10-10-10 is probably necessary already six years later, as not only the world but also what is taught at local schools has changed quite a bit.
The process is to consist of both internal self-evaluation by schools and external monitoring by Government’s inspectors. This means school boards and managements will have to not only rate their own performance, but make and execute action plans to improve weak areas and safeguard strong ones.
Those employed in the field should not see this as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to strive for excellence by addressing whatever obstacles they might experience in doing their job optimally. The intention surely isn’t to single anyone out, but rather to raise the overall level where possible.
While the pilot phase is to start in the upcoming academic year, the national decree to set the updated standards won’t be realised until 2017. That should not stop the persons involved in the education system from getting down to business and trying to “make it work” now, so St. Maarten’s youth can do better also in the job market and be empowered more in the near future.
