Second consultation on SEA and Concordat

By Lara Pickford-Gordon
snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org

The Association of Denominational Boards of Education (ADBE) would like to have a “genuine partnership” with the Education Ministry in the interest of advancing the Educator sector.

The ADBE was one of the interest groups presenting June 14 at the Ministry/The University of the West Indies School of Education’s second education consultation on the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) and Concordat. The first consultation was on June 9. Interested parties were invited to share their views during the forum which was streamed live on the Ministry’s Facebook page. Moderator was Kwesi Atiba, a member of the 18-member Cabinet appointed Committee to review the SEA and Concordat.

Genuine partnership needed

Speaking on ‘Denominational Boards as Partners’ the Chair of ADBE Sharon Mangroo outlined the “present partnership” and the responsibilities of the Ministry and Boards in relation to education.

Under the current arrangement, the Ministry provides school places, funds new construction, repairs, salaries and benefits and, addresses national curriculum development. The Boards own the land and buildings, deal with day-to-day maintenance, conduct facilities improvements, make recommendations for appointments, implement the curriculum, teacher professional development, and support student and parents.

Mangroo said when the Covid-19 pandemic started, Board schools were “first off the bat” in providing electronic devices for students to have connectivity, and hampers to parents. Highlighting facilities improvement, she said one school built a swimming pool so it can expand its curriculum and “whole sciences labs and so on are provided by the Boards”.

Discussing the barriers to partnership, she stated there was: a demonstration of lack of respect for board ownership, values and principles, and poor and often one-way communication. Mangroo commented, “very often the communication is one way and we see it in the public media”. Other barriers were: unsatisfactory level of meaningful consultation and superficial engagement in decision making. Defining the requirements of a “genuine partnership”, she said there was need for a formal agreement between partners that recognises and protects the interests of each. The agreement is to be observed by all members of both organisations.

Mangroo said the business purpose of the agreement must be clear: the development of young people of Trinidad and Tobago to achieve their fullest potential. To facilitate a genuine partnership, she said the Association was asking for mutual respect; open, regular and honest communication; cooperation and collaboration.

Champions of education

Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, in giving another perspective on ‘Denominational Boards as Partners’, said denominational primary and secondary schools are schools of choice for most parents and guardians. She asserted denominational schools have provided human and physical resources, contributed significantly to the development of curriculum materials and curriculum reform, and provided educational opportunities for thousands of children annually.

She however stated despite the signing of the memorandum of understanding in 2008, for the Ministry to assume sole responsibility for repairs and renovations and the rebuilding of denominational schools, the denominational boards have still contributed millions to upkeep and maintain their properties and their schools. Rev Abdul-Mohan said, the subvention from the State “cannot suffice, much more resources are needed”. She said the partnership became” a lived reality” during the pandemic as Boards worked “hand in hand” with the Ministry “and by extension the State” and others to ensure all schools functioned to provide online learning. She added, “schools worked hard to ensure teachers were provided with the necessary resources and equipment” and worked with the State to develop guidelines and systems to deal with the issues of the global pandemic and effects on the education system.

Rev Abdul-Mohan stressed Boards must be respected as active and not silent partners. They play an integral role in the education system. “Boards must not feel as if the partnership is a transactional relationship…but one that is meaningful, enriching and one that is transformative.” She too called for a redefinition for more genuine partnership with one common agenda. “Quality education is the only agenda,” she said.

Rev Abdul-Mohan underscored the need to strengthen relationships between the Ministry and Boards through critical initiatives to meet critical needs. “We are not going to get anywhere without building authentic and trusting relationships, the State and denominational boards will build credibility and integrity.” She suggested the State and denominal boards can cultivate a network of champions for education by encouraging reputable companies from the corporate world to invest in education. “This I believe will help to build more investment and support for the partnership.”

Rev Abdul-Mohan said the religious and spiritual influence on education was a plus and not a minus. She clarified she was not talking about indoctrination. The relationship between Church and State will always present some challenges in a multi-religious, pluralistic society but Rev Abdul-Mohan stated, “it is evident the denominational schools, through holistic and values education, have produced well-rounded citizens.” If denominational schools are efficiently operated by administrators and parents choose to send their children to these schools, the State may need to reconsider giving the denominational boards more schools to manage as a pilot project. Mohan said, the approach used by the Boards in the schools may “perhaps change the perception of State schools”.

Other presenters at the forum were: Sonia Mahase-Persad, President of the Association of Principals of Assisted Secondary Schools, Principal of Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College; Pundit Omadath Navin Maharaj, Public Relations Officer, Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), Ag Principal Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College; Imam Imtiaz Ali, Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association representative on the IRO. President of the Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools Sherra Carrington-James, Zena Ramatali, First Vice-President National Parent Teacher Association and President of the TT Unified Teachers’ Association Antonia Tekah-De Freitas. The final speaker was Professor Jerome de Lisle, Professor of Education Leadership and Director of UWI’s School of Education, Chairman of the Cabinet-Appointed Committee.

Feedback obtained from the consultations will be inputted into the report of the Committee, which began work in January 2022 and is expected to complete their work September. The consultation can be viewed HERE