Statement
Statement By Honourable Sharie B. De Castro
Minister For Education, Youth Affairs & Sports
Twentieth Sitting Of The First Session Of The Fifth
House Of Assembly Of The Virgin Islands
FRIDAY, 18TH OCTOBER, 2024
The Status of Mathematics Achievement in the Virgin Islands
Madam Speaker, as we continue to reimagine education in the Virgin Islands, it is essential to recognise that curriculum review and data-driven instruction are the keys to unlocking our students' full potential. Just as a captain must regularly recalibrate their course to navigate turbulent waters, we must continuously adjust our educational strategies to ensure that we are moving in the right direction.
Madam Speaker, mathematics achievement in our Territory, like many parts of the world, has been profoundly impacted by the global pandemic and for us in the Virgin Islands compounded by the storms of 2017. Globally, nearly 60% of students are now performing below grade-level expectations in mathematics. This troubling trend has also been reflected in our region, where the pass rate for Mathematics at the CXC level is currently 36%. While I am pleased to report that the pass rate for our local students stands approximately 10% higher than the regional average, we must recognise that our results remain alarming. Our students’ performance in territorial examinations, such as the Exit Proficiency Examination (EPE) and the Key Stage Assessments, reflect the same troubling trend.
For the last school year, the percentage of students who took the Math EPE and were successful averaged 55%. It is important to note that students have multiple opportunities from grade 10 onwards to earn a pass in this exam. While this is an improvement over previous years, it clearly shows that we continue to face significant challenges in mathematics achievement. Results from the June sitting of the Key Stage Assessment, which evaluates the performance of students across four critical stages of development—Grades 2, 4, 6, and 9—indicate that only 47% of students across the territory met or mastered the attainment targets for their respective grade levels. Students at grades two and nine performed significantly better than their peers in grades four and six. These results confirm that there is still much work to be done in the teaching and learning of mathematics in the Virgin Islands.
These statistics, while concerning, serve as a catalyst for the Ministry's ongoing efforts to reform and reimagine the teaching and learning of mathematics. Madam Speaker, over the last school year, the Ministry undertook an extensive review of the way mathematics is taught in our schools. This review was data-driven and included classroom observations, surveys, assessments, and interviews with teachers and principals. What we found was clear—many of our teachers, especially at the primary level, lack the confidence and conceptual understanding needed to effectively teach foundational mathematics.
One of the key initiatives in our strategic response to improving mathematics instruction is the Mathivated Project launched during the 2024 Summer Institute for Educators. This project represents a comprehensive, innovative approach to teaching mathematics, focusing on critical areas such as curriculum, assessment, resources, and teacher attitudes. During this institute, primary teachers participated in a three-day workshop that introduced them to play-based, hands-on instructional techniques designed to engage students and build a solid understanding of math concepts.
Madam Speaker, as part of our efforts, we are also harnessing the strength and expertise of some of our finest local teachers at both the primary and secondary levels. Under the supervision of the Education Officer for Mathematics, these educators are the true brains behind the Mathivated Project, driving its vision and execution. Their talent, passion, and skills have been instrumental in shaping the professional development initiatives that are at the heart of this project.
By leading math camps and facilitating ongoing professional development for their peers, these dedicated teachers are not only enhancing their own teaching practices but are also elevating the competencies of educators across the territory. Through their leadership and collaboration, we are ensuring that the strategies and innovations introduced are deeply rooted in the local context, making them even more effective in transforming math instruction in our schools. This collaborative, teacher-led approach is central to the success of the Mathivated Project, and it underscores the Ministry's commitment to fostering a professional learning community where educators support each other in developing the skills necessary to improve student outcomes in mathematics.
The importance of the Mathivated Project cannot be overstated. It aims to fundamentally shift how mathematics is taught in our schools by creating an environment where students are not only equipped to grasp key concepts but are also “mathivated” to continue exploring and mastering the subject. Next week, the Ministry will continue this effort through the Mathivated Midterm Camp for Teachers, a follow-up to the Summer Institute, where teachers will receive further training in innovative teaching strategies. By empowering our educators with the tools they need, we are fostering classrooms where students can thrive in mathematics.
Additionally, Madam Speaker, we have taken steps to bolster our teaching force. In 2023, we created two key positions – Mathematics Instructional Coaches – who are tasked with providing targeted support to primary school teachers. These coaches have already begun working closely with schools to develop data-driven math plans that address specific needs, improving both teacher competency and student engagement.
In line with our commitment to improving teacher proficiency, we are also collaborating with the Institute of Education at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to develop a Certificate in Mathematics for Primary Educators. This program will further provide educators with the mathematical knowledge and classroom strategies necessary to improve their instructional practice and elevate math achievement across the territory.
Madam Speaker, mathematics is more than a subject—it is a fundamental life skill that opens doors to higher education and career opportunities. It sharpens critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, skills that are essential for the growth and progress of our students and our nation. While the road ahead may present challenges, I am confident that through our strategic initiatives, including the Mathivated Project, and a commitment to professional development, we are building a foundation for significant and lasting improvements in mathematics education in the Virgin Islands.
As we navigate this new school year, the Ministry remains steadfast in its resolve to transform how we teach and learn mathematics. Together, with the continued support of this Honourable House, we will ensure that every student in the Virgin Islands has the opportunity to excel in this vital area and develop the skills they need for a bright future.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
