A workshop aimed at familiarising teachers in Region 3 with the new format for primary-level reading assessments was held recently.
According to the Region Three Information Department, the workshop was conducted by Head of the Curriculum Development and Implementation Unit at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) Sandra Persaud and Senior Test Development Officer Sitaldai Kartick Lewis.
An estimated 120 teachers attended the workshop, where Persaud said the new format was developed after previous assessments recorded numbers that were below expectations and several reviews by specialists and senior officials at the education ministry. After participating in practical sessions in the workshop, the teachers agreed that the new format provides opportunities for better assessments of children’s performances.
Regional Education Officer (REO) Marlyn Jones-O’Donoghue urged the teachers to ensure that they cover the literacy standards within the particular grade. She said the success of the new format rests primarily on the implementation and administering of the assessments in a fair and objective manner. The REO noted too that parents and guardians play a crucial role and she called on the teachers to ensure that they are advised that children should attend school regularly and that they should be punctual.
