1. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Achievements of the
Ministry of Education
for the period
May 2010 to June 2013
Educational Planning Division
20th February 2013
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2. PREAMBLE
The achievements presented in this Report represent the fulfillment of two and a half years of the People‟s Partnership Government‟s
stewardship in education as well as the first year of the roll-out of the Ministry‟s Education Sector Strategic Plan 2011-2015.
Our strategies, programmes and projects are geared towards meeting the needs and interests of all learners while ensuring that they
can attain their fullest potential and participate in a knowledge-based society. The Ministry has taken deliberate steps to set the agenda
for quality education and human development in accordance with Government‟s objectives for national development. This is
evidenced in the new roadmap for the education system articulated in the Ministry‟s Strategy Report, November 2010 and sixteen
priority areas for action. Subsequently the Ministry‟s Strategy Report and sixteen priority areas were consolidated into one documentEducation Sector: Strategic Plan 2011-2015 and was approved by Cabinet in January 2012. This plan will serve as the Ministry‟s main
policy document for implementation of the goals for education.
Over the period May 2010 to December 2012 there were several noteworthy achievements by the Ministry that have significantly
impacted the lives of our students from pre-primary to secondary levels. These achievements are detailed hereunder:
GOALS
Goal 1:
Design and
Develop a
Quality
Education
System
PROJECTS
PRIORITY
AREAS
1) Universal
Early
Childhood
Care and
Education
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
Completed the construction of twenty eight (28) Government ECCE centres over the
last two and a half [2 ½] years namely: St. Augustine North, Roystonia, Maraval,
Oropune, La Goya, Valencia, Bon Air West [Arouca], Malabar, La Horquetta South,
Clarke Rochard , Coconut Drive, Edinburgh South, Harmony Hall, Retrench, Maraj
Hill, Raghunanan Road, Egypt Village Trace, Carlsen Field, Golconda, Wellington
Road, St. Mary‟s, Union Hall, Phoenix Park, Lisas Gardens, Milton, Aranguez, Lower
Cumuto and Cushe.
In October 2011, contractors were selected for the construction of twenty-four (24)
ECCE Centres under the GORTT-IDB Seamless Education System Programme. Work
has commenced at nineteen (19) sites namely: Arouca Pine Haven SDA, Barataria
AC, Corinth Hills, Cunupia- St. Ambrose AC, Madras, Malabar, Mount Hope, Buen
Intento, Salazar Trace, Jacob Hill, Palmiste, Bamboo, Arima New, Southern Gardens,
Pleasantville, Brothers, La Ruffin, Maloney Gardens No.2, Quarry Village.
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3. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
Identified sites for the construction of an additional twenty-six (26) IDB/GORTT
funded ECCE Centres, including five (5) centres earmarked for construction in Tobago
Commissioned and opened thirteen (13) fully functional state-of-the-art ECCE Centres
in FY2012
From August 2011, the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Science
Technology and Tertiary Education, The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and
Tobago and Six tertiary level institutions namely: UTT, UWI, CREDI, USC,
ROYTEC and SERVOL, commenced discussions to harmonize the training of ECCE
teachers at the Certificate Level. As at March 2012, the Ministry concluded these
discussions and has ensured the alignment of the Curriculum for ECCE Teacher
Training and Certification at the tertiary level. These standards are comparable to
those established by the Organization of American States and CARICOM.
The Ministry of Education has also commenced discussions to harmonize training at
the Bachelor of Education level for all primary school teachers.
Commenced preparation for the establishment of Public-Private Partnerships in the
provision of Early Childhood Care and Education.
In June 2012 the MOE hosted a series of consultations aimed at engaging private Early
Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) providers to partner with the Ministry to achieve
Universal Education (ECCE) by 2015. The consultations were scheduled as follows:Group 1 – ECCE Centres in the following Education Districts: Port of Spain and
Environs, St. George East and North Eastern
Group 2 - ECCE Centres in the following Education Districts: Caroni, South
Eastern, Victoria and St. Patrick
Group 3 - ECCE Centres in Tobago
Status of the Phase I - twenty four (24) IADB ECCE centres is as follows:
o Eighteen (18) ECCE Centres are projected for completion, by August 2013,
under the GORTT-IDB Seamless Education System Programme: Arouca Pine
Haven SDA, Barataria AC, Corinth Hills, Cunupia- St. Ambrose AC, Madras,
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4. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
Malabar, Mount Hope, Buen Intento, Salazar Trace, Jacob Hill, Palmiste,
Bamboo, Arima New, Southern Gardens, Pleasantville, Brothers, La Ruffin,
Maloney Gardens No.2 and Quarry Village.
o Six (6) additional ECCE Centres are projected for completion, by
December 2013, under the GORTT-IDB Seamless Education System
Programme: St. Anns, La Ruffin, Enterprise, Mendez/Penal Quinam,
Rancho Quemado and Fyzabad
Status of the Phase II - twenty six (26) IADB ECCE centres is as follows:
o Twenty six (26) sites have been deemed unencumbered and can proceed for
mobilization and construction works. These sites have been forwarded to
the EFCL for the commencement of the Design/construction phase.
Construction of the Phase II ECCE centres is scheduled for completion in
June 2014
o Five (5) of these sites are located in Tobago
In August 2012, approximately 250 teaching staff (teachers, teacher assistants,
auxiliaries and Administrators) employed at government and government-assisted
centres attended professional development sessions at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning
Resource Centre in Couva
As at June 2013, the Ministry has commenced preparation for the drafting of public
private partnership contracts with sixty-eight (68) private ECCE providers
During fiscal 2013, the Ministry has recruited thirty-six (36) teachers, eight (8) teacherassistants, a Curriculum Coordinator and two (2) Curriculum Facilitators
Professional Training for teachers of private ECCE centres is carded for July 15-26
2013 at the UTT Teacher‟s Training Colleges in Valsayn and Corinth. This
training will account for 60 contact hours and a certificate will be offered for
participation
Teachers from government and government-assisted centres will engage in
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5. GOALS
PROJECTS
2)
Integrating
ICTs in
Education –
Laptop
Initiative
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
professional development training during the months of July and August. Two
training sessions will be held to accommodate all teachers on July 22nd – 26th and
August 12th – 16th , 2013
To date, the MOE has distributed approximately 54,329 laptops under its Laptop
Initiative, in Fiscal Year 2010/2011, - 19,667, in Fiscal Year 2011/2012, - 17,300 and in
Fiscal Year 2012/2013, - 17,362
Financial Years 2010/2011 and 2011/2012
Distributed a total of 36,967 laptops to the secondary level as follows:
19,667 laptops were distributed to 16,059 Form 1 students in Trinidad; 608 Form 1
students in Tobago and 3000 teachers in Trinidad and Tobago for the academic year
2010/2011.
For the academic year 2011/2012, 17,300 laptops were distributed to Form 1 students.
The students received Lenovo laptops with carrying cases and 14 software packages
provided by Microsoft as opposed to only seven (7) packages in 2010. These software
packages include Office 2010 Professional, the visualization of Mathematics from
basic to pre-calculus and the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. Also the laptops were
equipped with improved security and monitoring features.
The Government spent an estimated $53 million in 2011/2012 which was about $30
million less than fiscal year 2010/2011, to provide every child going on to secondary
school from the SEA with his or her own laptop. Each laptop cost approximately
US$460; US$100 less than fiscal year 2010/2011.
A total of 467 laptops were distributed to primary school principals in December
2011. The laptops are equipped with packages on instructional materials and other
digital information.
The Laptop Initiative or the eConnect and Learn Programme was expanded to include
the provision of a digital education portal, teaching training, and wireless connectivity
in secondary schools, educational content software and the infusion of technology
into the curriculum.
Training in the infusion of Information Communication Technology (ICT) into
curriculum delivery was conducted by the National Energy Skill Company (NESC)
for Heads of Departments, Vice Principals, Principals, Curriculum Officers and
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6. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
School Supervisors III.
The first eCAL ICT in Education Innovative Award which rewards excellence in ICT
integration in teaching and learning in schools, was held in 2011. Four teachers
attended the Caribbean and Latin America Forum in Santiago de Chile. One teacher
from Trinidad and Tobago emerged winner and later participated at the Global
Forum, Washington in November, 2011.
Financial Year 2012/2013
Distributed laptops to seventeen thousand, three hundred and sixty-two (17,362) Form
1 students in one hundred and fifty-two (152) secondary schools, under the eCALLaptop Initiative. All laptops were imaged with a total of twenty-nine (29) software
Distributed four hundred and seventy-six (476) laptops to primary school principals
Conducted training for seven thousand, seven hundred and thirty-four (7,734) teachers
in a series of courses aimed at equipping staff with the necessary skills to infuse ICTs
into their Teaching and Learning Strategies/Activities
Collaborated with Microsoft Inc. to host three (3) eCAL ICT in Education Innovative
Award competitions in recognition of the efforts of teachers in infusing ICT into the
curricula of both primary and secondary schools
Trained thirty-five (35) Curriculum Officers, using the Distance Education modality,
to support the integration of ICTs in curriculum delivery
Developed ICT integrated instructional packages for Forms 1-3 for seven (7) subject
areas
Developed instructional and assessment materials for seven (7) subjects areas
Continued to successfully operate twenty-six (26) National Open School of Trinidad
and Tobago (NOSTT) Centres with enrolments totaling approximately five thousand
(5,000) persons.
The National Library and Information System (NALIS) completed the registration of
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7. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
over thirteen thousand (13,000) Form 1 students as part of the eCAL programme. This
will ensure that students have access to e-resources on NALIS‟ website
Commenced tendering procedures for the manufacture, supply and distribution of
laptops to secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago for the academic year 2013/2014
Commenced tendering procedures for the manufacture, supply and distribution of
laptops to secondary schools in St. Lucia for the academic year 2013/2014
Commenced the design of the Ministry‟s digital portal and LMS. Work is on-going re
the uploading of content material to the new website
Prepared a Draft ICT in Education Policy
3)
Improving
Infrastructure
in Schools
Biche Presbyterian Primary was upgraded and reopened at the start of the new
academic year in September, 2011
Contracts were awarded in 2011 for the construction of Rose Hill RC, Belmont
Boys RC and Paramin RC schools
The long anticipated refurbishment/rehabilitation of the Biche High School was
completed and the school opened its doors in September, 2011, ten years after
initial construction.
Over the past two and half (2½) years the Ministry of Education has completed the
construction of thirteen (13) primary schools: St. Barbara‟s Spiritual Shouter Baptist,
Tunapuna Government, Balmain Presbyterian, Charlieville Presbyterian, Riversdale
Presbyterian, Biche Presbyterian (upgraded), Penal Rock Road SDMS, Lengua
Presbyterian, Palo Seco Government, Arima New Government, Mt. Pleasant
Government, Tulsa Trace SDMS and Arima West Government
Over the past two and half (2½) years the Ministry of Education has completed the
construction of and formally opened four (4) secondary schools, namely: Marabella
South, Aranguez North, Couva West Government and Five Rivers
Construction work is on-going at eight (8) additional secondary schools, namely:
Five Rivers Secondary, Barataria North Secondary, St. Joseph Secondary,
Carapichaima West Secondary, Mt Hope Secondary, Princes Town East Secondary,
Aranguez North Secondary and Couva West Secondary.
Under the Ministry‟s repair and maintenance programme for schools, we have
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8. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
completed works at approximately three hundred and fifty (350) primary and
secondary schools of which, seventy-seven (77) primary and secondary schools were
repaired during the July-August 2012 vacation period.
4)
Curriculum
Reform
Hosted a two (2) day National Consultation on the Primary Schools‟ Curriculum in
April, 2011 at which approximately seven hundred (700) persons were in attendance.
Held seven (7) District Consultations, as well as another in Tobago, on the Primary
School Curriculum at which approximately two thousand and ninety (2,090) students,
parents, teachers, administrators and Ministry personnel were in attendance.
Hosted two (2) subject-specific stakeholder consultations on the inclusion of nontraditional subject areas such as the Visual and Performing Arts and Physical
Education at the primary level up to Standard Five. Seventy (70) persons, including
fifteen (15) contributors, participated and shared their views on the importance of
both subjects to holistic child development.
Posted all relevant documents of the Primary Schools‟ Curriculum on the Ministry‟s
website to elicit the widest communication and feedback possible.
Hired a Consultant to commence the revision of the primary schools‟ curriculum in
nine (9) subject areas. The contract commenced in June 2012 and will continue to
August 2013. The subject areas for review and revision have been expanded to
include Agricultural Science and Character Education.
Provided resources to primary schools to support the delivery of the Health and
Family Life Education (HFLE) component of the curriculum.
5)
Enhanced
Literacy and
Numeracy
The Project Plan for improving literacy and numeracy levels in students enrolled in
Infants Department to Standard I was approved by the Strategic Executive Team of
the Ministry of Education.
Twenty (20) pilot schools throughout the eight (8) education districts were selected
for the conduct of a Pilot Programme towards the preparation of a detailed training
plan
In 2010/2011 under the Centre of Excellence for Teacher Training, the project
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9. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
designed to improve the reading skills of students in primary schools; reading
workshops were held for three hundred (300) teachers and one hundred (100)
principals.
All Primary School Principals have been requested to assign their best teachers to
Infants Year I and II and Standard I to ensure that there is effective foundational
development for our students from an early age
Recorded a decrease in the percentage of students scoring 30% and under in the SEA
by 0.8 points, i.e. from 9.9% (2011) to 9.1% (2012)
Developed a Literacy and Numeracy Plan focusing on raising the level of
achievement of students from the Infants to Standard 1 levels. Elements of the Plan
include:
 The conduct of a pilot project in select schools
 Collection and analysis of data
 Training of numeracy coaches
 The formation of literacy teams with teachers working in their respective
schools.
Trained forty (40) Literacy and forty (40) Numeracy Coaches. The Literacy Coaches
included graduates of the M.Ed. Reading Programme.
Recorded the graduation of sixty-two (62) young persons with improved reading
skills from the NALIS Youth Literacy Programme – ALTA,
Conducted the National Young Adult Quiz Competition 2012. Nineteen (19) schools
participated in this initiative which was aimed at promoting positive reading habit
among the youths of the nation.
6)
Movement of
the Secondary
Entrance
Assessment
Examination
to May
From June 22nd, 2011 to 19th August, 2011 meetings were held with stakeholders
including TTUTA, NPTA and Denominational Boards, to discuss the change of date
for SEA. Further, Cabinet granted approval for the change of date of the SEA from
March to May.
The movement of the Secondary Entrance Assessment from March to May was
effected for the academic year 2011/2012. The next SEA examination was held on
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10. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
May 10, 2012. For the first time a cohort of seventeen thousand, eight hundred and
sixty-three (17,863) students had the benefit of the full standard five curriculum and
as such was more prepared to sit and succeed at the SEA examinations. The initial
impact of this initiative was the increase in the number of students scoring above 30%
in the SEA examination.
7)
Expansion of
the Technical/
Vocational
Programme,
with emphasis
on CVQs, into
all secondary
schools
In 2010, 1,718 students wrote the CVQs while in 2011, forty-four (44) secondary
schools involving 1,400 students participated in the CVQ standards/units in twentythree (23) occupational areas including: Air conditioning and refrigeration, Automechanics, Beauty therapy, Information technology usage and support, Food
preparation and Poultry rearing.
The 2011 CXC results revealed that five hundred and twenty-four (524) students
received full CVQ awards. In addition, nine thousand, four hundred (9,400) Unit
Awards in various subject areas were issued.
In 2012, the MOE developed a partnership with the National Training Agency (NTA)
for the training of teachers (secondary schools) as Assessors and Heads of
Departments as Internal Verifiers. By the end of fiscal 2012, we trained five hundred
(500) Information Technology and Technical Vocational Teachers as Assessors.
Sixty-five (65) secondary schools currently offer CVQ subjects i.e. forty-eight (48)
government schools; seventeen (17) denominational schools. Sixty-nine (69) will be
offering CVQ subjects from September 2012.
By the end of 2011-2012 academic year forty six (46) schools were registered to do
CVQ exams. Out of this number, forty four (44) actually offered candidates for the
exams.
One thousand and eighty three (1083) candidates wrote the CVQ exams in twentyfive (25) occupational areas. A total of four thousand, four hundred and ninety-seven
(4,497) units were awarded. Five hundred and eighty three (583) persons obtained full
units. At present, the MOE is collaborating with MIC for training of teachers in the
specialized craft areas.
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11. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
The MOE is also working with MIC and will collaborate with UTT towards having a
Bachelor‟s programme developed combining the pedagogy and specialized craft
components.
In June 2012, eighty four (84) government schools were given funding in the sum of
$100,000 for CVQ programmes. The Curriculum Division has the mandate to ensure
these funds are utlilized for the CVQ Programme.
As at June 2013:
91 secondary schools are currently doing CVQ
44 additional schools commenced CVQ in the academic year 2012/2013
37 secondary schools are expanding in new occupational areas
Principals of secondary schools have been using the hundred thousand dollars for the roll-out
of the CVQ Expansion
8) Teacher
Training and
Development
In 2012, the MOE commenced the conduct of a baseline study of primary and
secondary school teachers‟ performance in May 2012. Survey findings will be used
to inform a model for the professional development of teachers
Conducted professional development training for thirty-five (35) Curriculum Officers
to support teachers in the delivery of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE)
curriculum
Trained one hundred and fifty (150) Secondary School Technology Education and
CVQ teachers through workshops conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Energy
Affairs in its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programme
Improved Teacher skills in the assessment of the national curriculum in all eight (8)
core subjects through the training of eighty (80) Primary School and eighty (80)
Secondary School teachers
In keeping with its effort to develop a critical mass of leaders to lead the
transformation initiatives, the Ministry conducted a leadership conference for school
principals and administrators, the theme of which was „The Leader in me”. The
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12. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
objective was to enhance the leadership skills of key personnel entrusted with the
responsibility of facilitating and supporting the transformation initiative.
Commenced the reclassification process for the teaching staff at the secondary level
as an integral part of the Government‟s thrust to modernize the education system and
improve the overall standard of teaching at the nation‟s schools.
Conducted workshops on Discipline for Principals of Secondary and Primary schools
Completed review meetings with TTUTA dealing with the review of the Performance
Management Appraisal Process Manual. Sign off obtained.
xxxxxxx
9)
Improving
Students‟
Overall
Academic
Performance
Guidance and support is being provided to students, parents and schools to improve the
overall standards of performance in all the 2012 Examinations. The following was
completed:Provision of examination materials (past papers and study guides)
Monitoring and support towards the completion of school based assessment (SBAs)
by students
Provision of guidelines and strategies for assisting students re: preparation of
examinations, coping with examination stresses and anxieties.
School Nutrition Programme
The Ministry continued to provide highly nutritious breakfast and lunch meals to
students at ECCE Centres, primary and secondary schools. As at July 31, 2011, on a
daily basis 56,925 students received breakfast meals and 97,394 students received
lunch meals.
As at March 31st, 2012 on a daily basis fifty-nine thousand, two hundred and twentytwo (59,222) breakfast meals and ninety-seven thousand, four hundred and eighteen
(97,418) lunches were distributed to students.
As at March 31st, 2013 on a daily basis fifty-nine thousand, nine hundred and fiftyeight (59,958) breakfast meals and ninety-seven thousand, one hundred and sixty-four
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13. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
(97,164) lunches were distributed to pre-primary, primary and secondary school
students
Incident free meal service for the reporting period
Continued Nutrition Education sessions. Schools visited were:
o Marabella Government Primary School
o Charlieville Government Primary School
o Pleasantville Government Primary School
o Mayo R.C. Primary School
o Santa Rosa Government Primary School
Continued involvement in the international Development Research Centre (IDRC)
CARICOM Food Security 2011-2014 Project:
o Food Safety Training and Bulk Food Production Training conducted for the
staff of the school Feeding Kitchen, St. Kitts (January 2013)
o Recipe testing and standardization and nutrient analyses of menu cycles
Collaborative work with NAMDEVCO to develop and implement a monitoring
system with registered farms aimed at further increasing the use of local produce to
the SNP
Launched an initiative with the Ministry of TESY where OJTs will have access to
SNP kitchens to develop and hone their skills in culinary arts (January 2013)
Facilitated the placement of OJT and Multi-sector Skills Training (MUST) trainees at
SNP kitchens
Performance of Students at various examinations
National Test - Performance of Students in Mathematics and Language Arts
In 2012, 18,542 students in Standard 1 and 19,948 students in Standard 3 wrote the
National Test in Mathematics and Language Arts. There has been an overall increase
in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards (Levels 3 and 4)
required for standards 1 and 3 in Mathematics and Language Arts in 2012 compared
to the period 2008 to 2012. In Mathematics there was about 40 % improvement in
Standards 1 and 3, while literacy levels improved by about 50 % in Standards 1 and 3.
Based on the Academic Performance Index there was a significant improvement in
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14. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
the performance of schools in 2012 when compared to the period 2009 to 2012. The
number of schools excelling improved by 800% from 2011 (15 schools) to 2012
(121schools). There was a reduction of schools under academic watch by 80%. In
2011, 120 schools were under academic watch while in 2012 the figure was 28
schools.
Secondary Entrance Assessment
A total of seventeen thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three [17,863] students [9,967]
boys and 8,896 girls] wrote the SEA in 2012. Over the period 2008-2012, the number
of students writing the SEA averaged over 17,000, of which, approximately 94%
were placed at 5 and 7 year government and government assisted secondary schools.
There has also been a steady decline in the number of students placed at PreVocational Centres. Over the five year period 2008-2012, there has been a steady
decline in the number of students re-writing the SEA. In 2008, there were 831 (4.7%)
repeaters while by 2012 the figures had dropped significantly to 371 (2.1%).
Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination(CSEC)
A total of 30,791 candidates were registered for 35 subjects at the 2012 Caribbean
Secondary Education Certificate Examination (CSEC). Of the total 110, 795 subject
entries, 59.5% (65, 936) obtained Grades 1 – III. Of this amount 13.8% (15, 239)
obtained Grade 1, 20.3% (22, 475) obtained Grade II and 25.5% (28, 221) obtained
Grade III.
42.8% (6, 502) of the students were successful in five or more subjects. The
percentage of students who obtained five or more subjects with English A and
Mathematics was 34.8% (5, 135)
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
Students continued to excel at the CAPE. The performance of students at this
examination has been consistently high over the period 2008-2012. Over 90% of the
students gained passes in Unit I and Unit II over the five years except for the year
2010 when 88% gained passes in Units I and II. In 2012, the pass rate for Unit I
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15. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
subject entries was 94% while it was 93.2% for Unit II subject entries.
Award of National Scholarships based on CAPE Results
In 2012, the Government awarded 372 National Scholarships comprising seventy (70)
open and three hundred and two (302) additional scholarships based on the CAPE
2012. The Government decided to increase the number of national scholarship from
329 in 2010 and 354 in 2011 to 372 in 2012. The estimated annual cost for the award
of all 372 national scholarships is fifty three million, seven hundred and two thousand
dollars ($53,702,000.00). Scholarships were awarded in ten (10) subject groups
which include Business, Environmental Science, Languages, Mathematics, Modern
Studies/Humanities, Natural Sciences, Technical Studies, Technological Studies,
General Studies and Visual and Performing Arts.
10)
Testing and
NeuroDiagnostics
of children
Additionally, two President‟s Medals were awarded to the highest performing
students in the examinations. One of the recipients was a student from Naparima
College, San Fernando, who top performed in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and
Environmental Studies, while the other student was from Presentation College,
Chaguanas who was the top performer in Business, Languages, Modern Studies,
Technical Studies, Technological Studies, Visual and Performing Arts and General
Studies.
Consistent with its vision for the healthy, happy and normal development of children, the
Ministry has prioritized the delivery of specialized services to treat with the neurological
and educational development of students. A project for the Testing and NeuroDiagnostics of Children was initiated for this purpose. The objectives of this project are to:
 Conduct a pilot exercise with eight (8) ECCE Centres and eight (8) Primary schools,
which will comprise the screening, assessment, intervention planning and treatment
for learners
 To design, develop and implement multi-disciplinary services for delivery to those
students requiring specialised support along with the best-fit framework for such
delivery
 Utilize the evaluated results and market data to design and develop the most effective
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16. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
and economic strategy for the continued and universalised screening, assessment,
intervention planning and treatment of children, along with an in-sight into the
combinations of social, physical and environmental factors which influence their
actions and their preparedness for learning and education
 Design and develop a programme to assess and address all the main factors affecting
the child and his/her development, including school, parents/guardians/ caregivers,
teachers/principals and classroom interactions
The achievements of the project to date are: technical assistance was procured
through the award of a contract for the development and implementation of
appropriate strategies, plans and structures for children understanding, to address
the needs of all children, and for the design and delivery of suitable children
services.
Conducted audio/visual tests over the period September 2012 to December 2012
for 90% of Infant Year I students entering primary school. This was done in
conjunction with the Ministry of Health.
In fiscal 2013, the Ministry has completed the screening processes and commenced
intervention services at the pilot schools in five (5) educational district namely: St.
George East, Port-of-Spain and Environs, North Eastern, Caroni and Tobago
Intervention services are not currently taking place in the Education Districts of Eastern
and St. Patrick because placement letters for the On the Job-Trainees (who were trained
for this programme) were not issued by the National Training Agency.
The results of the screening done in all districts have shown that the actual percentage of
students requiring intervention is notably higher, with an average of 75%, than the original
estimates of 30%.
The impact of these higher percentages has required an increase of the number of
resources in the ICAN room. These resources include furniture, computers, headphones,
ICAN room facilitators/OJT’s and space requirements of the ICAN room itself. These extra
resources are being addressed by the Ministry of Education in an attempt to have it resolved
as soon as possible.
The number of children currently receiving intervention (28%) is based on the present
resourcing of the ICAN room. A considerable number of children requiring intervention are
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17. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
not receiving it because NTA cannot provide additional OJTS for the project.
Level 2 assessment started on 2nd July, 2013 at St. Mary’s Government School. Provisions
have been made for this assessment to continue during the first week of school vacation until
it is completed.
Student who missed the initial assessment at the St. Mary’s Government School were
screened on 2nd and 3rd of July, 2013. Provisions have been made for this screening to
continue during the first week of the school vacation until it is completed.

11)
Continuous
Assessment
Programme
(CAP)
On December 31st, 2011, Physical Education and VAPA were included as part of the
curriculum. On January 31st, 2012 a framework was developed for the introduction of
CAP in primary schools and on March 31st, 2012, CXC was engaged for the inclusion of
CAP in SEA.
The Ministry introduced a system of School Based Assessment for primary school
students. This will ensure that students are assessed over a period of time, in subjects such
as Physical Education; Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre);
Citizenry Development; Health and Family Life Education; Social Studies; Agri-Science;
Morals; Values and Ethics; Language Arts and Mathematics. This initiative will be
introduced in the 2012/2013 academic year to Standard 4 and Standard 5 students.
Effectively the CAP will contribute to forty percent (40%) of the SEA score by 2014.
Students will no longer be faced with „do or die‟ final exit exam thus greatly relieving the
stress the students undergo while ensuring they receive a more holistic education.
During the last year the MOE successfully administered on December 4th 2012, the
first Writing Practice Assessment of the CAC English Arts for Standard five students.
The Second Practice Assessment is scheduled for 31st January, 2013.
Draft agreement being considered between CXC and Ministry of Education for
assessment support. A workshop was held on July 30th, 012 to review the plan for
CAC, its status and further planning and resourcing requirements.
Secured the agreement of CXC and finalized the framework for inclusion of CAP in
the SEA in March 31, 2012
17

18. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
Implemented an intensive training programme to support the implementation of CAC
in September 2012. The contents of the training programme covered the process
approach to writing and scoring to ensure objectivity in marking of students writing
and the use of marking schemes supplied by the Ministry of Education
The personnel trained include o 72 Facilitators
o 828 Standard V Teachers
o 609 Standards IV Teachers
Developed eleven thousand (11,000) training manuals and three thousand (3,000)
CDs for distribution as teaching aids
Scaled up the resources at five hundred and fifty-seven (557) primary schools to
support the delivery of the expanded curriculum
Trained primary school teachers in a process approach to writing and scoring to ensue
objectivity in marking of students writing as well as to use the same marking scheme
supplied by the MOE
Training for thirty-four (34) Curriculum Officers, forty-one (41) School Supervisors
and a group of one hundred and twenty-one (121) persons as CAC monitors
conducted by CXC
Provided additional administrative support to school principals through the placement
of over one thousand (1,000) On-the-Job trainees
Conducted a sensitization programme for Principals and other stakeholders through
the conduct of conferences, fraternity meetings, cluster group meetings, face to face
interviews and telephone calls. Also printed presentations with background
information and implementation plans, Administrators‟ booklets, memoranda and
Question and Answer booklets were developed for school principals.
Provided writing note books /portfolios to students at no additional cost to parents.
Provided teachers with copies of a text which utilizes Caribbean based themes and
methodologies to support the teaching of writing.
12) Career
The Ministry is proposing to provide the required guidance and instruction to students
18

19. GOALS
PROJECTS
Guidance and
Development
in Secondary
Schools
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
that will assist in their career development and transition into the world of work. For
the academic year 2011/2012, sixty percent (60%) of secondary schools have
participated in the Career Guidance Programme of the Ministry. Plans were finalized
for the hosting of a series of career fairs across the education districts in Trinidad and
Tobago and will commence in January 2013.
In fiscal 2013, thirty-six thousand (36,000) students form one hundred and thirty
(130) schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago participated at the Ministry‟s National
District Career Fairs.
13) Organisational
Restructuring
and
Institutional
Strengthening
The first level of the organizational structure of the Ministry of Education was
developed. Divisional and Unit Heads continue to work to identify key issues and to
review their purpose, function and structure towards completion of the organizational
structure build out.
14) Human
Resource
Development
and
Management
Goal 2:
Transform the
Ministry into a
Modern, HighPerforming
Organisation
Technical Assistance for the conduct of an organizational review of the Human
Resource Management Division of the Ministry of Education, leading to the design
and development of an appropriate HRM strategy and implementation plan for all its
processes inclusive of its IHRIS. Request for Proposal was sent to the nine (9)
qualified bidders on July 25th, 2012 by the Central Tenders Board. Closing date for
RFP was August 23rd, 2012.
As at June 30th, 2013, the draft contract for this consultancy was being finalized by
the Chief State Solicitor‟s Department and the Central Tenders Board.
Work is on-going to ensure effective implementation of the Workforce
Administration Module for the IHRIS.
Goal 3:
Engage Stakeholders in the
Transformation
15) Parental and
Stakeholder
Engagement,
Involvement
Hosted Stakeholder Engagement Workshops for internal and external stakeholders to
elicit the widest possible views on the Ministry‟s Strategy Report, November, 2010.
The Ministry of Education honoured the nation‟s teachers as part of its celebration of
19

20. GOALS
of the Education
System
PROJECTS
and Support
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
World‟ Teacher Day (October 5 2011).
Over 450 primary school Principals, School Supervisors, Representatives of TTUTA,
NPTA, Denominational Boards, UWI, UTT, participated in the Primary School
Principals‟ Workshop on November 15, 2011 at Centre of Excellence.
Tobago School for Special Needs Children was open on December 15, 2011.
One hundred and fifty-eight (158) SEA Top Performing Students (attaining scores of
95% and over) were honoured by the MOE at the Hyatt on 4th February 2012.
Over 240 retirees were honoured by the MOE on 11th February, 2012 at the HYATT.
Ministry of Education a hosted Corporate Bodies Consultation on the alignment of
extra- curricular activities with the key objectives of MOE. More than 250 NGOs,
FBOs and other organizations participated.
The Task Force on Violence and Indiscipline in schools was established under the
chairmanship of the Minister in the Ministry of Education. The Task Force comprises
persons from the Ministries of Sport, People and Social Development, Community
Development, National Security, The Solicitor General‟s Office, National Parent
Teachers Association (NPTA), Association of Principals of Public Secondary
Schools, Association of Principals of Assisted Secondary Schools, Association of
Denominational Boards, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers‟ Association and
representatives from the Ministry of Education.
The National Student Hotline was activated in collaboration with Childline, a
registered non-profit organization, and the Ministry of the People and Social
Development. The project provides a twenty–four (24) hour, free telephone service
for children and young adults. Childline, the host of the National Student Hotline,
offers children and adolescents counseling on a wide range of issues that affect their
lives.
20

21. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
Secondary school students participated in the Eco-Song Competition organized by the
Environmental Management Authority (EMA). The Ministry of Education has also
partnered with the EMA over the past 12 years on the Primary Schools‟ „Hands-On‟
Competition and the Secondary Schools‟ Dramatic Envirologue (Forms 4-6).
The MOE hosted a “Principal‟s Leadership Conference” on „The Leader in Me‟
programme at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya on March 27, 2012. „The Leader in
Me‟ project to create leadership personalities will be used for early childhood care
and education, primary and secondary schools.
MOE strengthened its relationships with stakeholders by holding meetings on a
regular basis to extensively discuss issues relating to education. Meetings were held
with TTUTA and the NPTA. As a result, the Ministry got full support from these
organizations with respect to the change of the date of the SEA from March to May
2012. In the spirit of collaboration TTUTA was invited to assign a representative to
sit on the national Council for Early Childhood Care and Education which will
comprise members of the Ministry of Education, private sector and universities,
among others. TTUTA is one of the Ministry‟s key stakeholders whose input is
highly valued and respected, therefore the Ministry remains committed to
strengthening its working relationship with TTUTA to address some of the vexing
problems affecting the schools.
Training sessions regarding the CAC of the SEA were held from July 23rd to August
25th, 2012 for teachers of standard IV and V; school administrators and
parent/guardians of students being home schooled.
The MOE has partnered with the Ministry of National Security to implement the
National Mentorship Programme (NMP). The National Mentorship Programme is
geared towards positive youth development, and is aimed at young people between
the ages of 9 to 25 years, from primary to tertiary level, as well as youths in general
who may not have had the opportunity to be exposed to a stable mentor.
At present, there are 190 mentees (150 males and 40 females) with mentors registered
in the programme and 104 mentees awaiting mentors. One hundred and fourteen
(114) mentors have completed the training programme with 53 mentors matched and
32 mentors tentatively matched to mentees.
21

22. GOALS
NIL
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
16) Seamless
Education
System (SES)
In 2010-2011 the SES programme was realigned to the new goals and objectives of the
Ministry. The SES programmed evolved from a loan agreement between IADB and the
government of Trinidad and Tobago. In this regard, Cabinet‟s approval was granted for
the establishment of the Programme and Projects Planning and Management Unit
(PPPMU). This Unit will serve as the single point of management for all programmes and
projects of the MOE. The major benefits from this approach include harmonisation of
efforts, common use of projects and change management methodologies, core and support
business processes.
Under the SES the following activities were completed:(1)
Twenty Consultancy (20) projects were identified for which the scope of
consultancies started/completed:
Programme and Projects Planning and Management
Internal Ministry of Education (MOE) Resourcing
Leadership and Governance Training
Organizational Structuring
Business Process Transformation
Human Resource Management Process Transformation
Integrated Human Resource Information System (IHRIS) Implementation
School Supervision
School Infrastructure Supply and Condition
Exam, Testing and Assessment
Teaching and Teachers
Children Understanding and Children Services
22

23. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Curriculum Revision (Primary Section)
Transition of students to different “schooling” and work
Standardisation and Simplification/Total Quality Management (TQM)
People Engagement, Change and Transition
School Based Management (SBM)
Information communication Technology (ICT) Strategy, Planning and
Implementation Management
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Strategy and Plan
Communications Strategy
Developed Terms of Reference (TORs) and prepared budgets for the above Reprofiled consultancies.
Contracts were awarded for the:
(a) Technical Assistance in Developing, Revising and implementing Curriculum in
seven (7) subject areas at the Primary Level on January 23rd, 2012 by Central
Tenders Board (CTB). Contract documents were prepared, finalized and
accepted by the IDB Implementation teams are being mobilized.
(b) conduct of a Baseline Survey of Teacher Performance, Parent and Student
Attitudes and Achievement. Contract signed and work is expected to
commence May 2012. Implementation teams being mobilized.
Developed and advertised Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the following
consultancies:Communications Strategy
Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education
Midterm and Final Evaluation of the Programme
Developed and circulated Request for Proposals (RFP‟s) for the following
consultancies:
Revision of the Primary School Curriculum
Baseline Survey of Teacher Performance and Student attitudes – (Contract
signed and the project had started)
23

24. GOALS
PROJECTS
ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013
(6)
Facilitated and funded the National consultation on the Primary School
Curriculum for feedback for the revision of the curriculum.
a) Other Projects Completed:Draft Transformation of Seamless Education System (SES) Unit to the
Programme and Projects Planning and Management Unit.
Audit of the SES Programme for the period of October 1st, 2009 –
September 30th 2011.
Procurement of vehicles, computers and other technological equipment
for the Educational Planning, Early Childhood Care (ECCE) and
Curriculum Planning and Development and SES Divisions in accordance
with the loan conditionality.
Recruitment of a Technical Adviser to the Minister of Education for
developing the MOE Strategy.
Recruitment and alignment of the key personnel in the Programme and
Projects Planning and Management Unit.
24