NPA conference facilitates discussion
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
by Ministry of Education
EDUCATION MANAGERS STRATEGIZE ON WAYS TO IMPROVE THE SECTOR.

The National Principals’ Association recently held its 35th conference under the theme, “21st Century Principal: Toward a Solution Oriented Approach.”

The Principal’s Association, known for passionate advocacy for the advancement of the education sector, spoke openly to the Education Minister about its challenges.

NPA President Pauline Antoine-Prospere said principals need more support to ensure that there is effective implementation of educational initiatives.”

“If we speak to standards of instruction, we should articulate a revision of the school curriculum, national assessment, and teacher education as key components to the reform process. It cannot be done in isolation,” she suggested.

Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, said the Ministry of Education aims to work cohesively with all parties.

“The minister meets with the NPA once a quarter throughout the academic year and has extended that courtesy to the District Education Officers, and the Saint Lucia Teachers’ Union,” Dr. Rigobert said. “The minister is also adamant that decisions are taken after discussions with the affected stakeholders.”

Lecturer at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Dr. Canute Thomas, was the guest speaker for the event. He said the onus is on principals to propel themselves into this millennia by acquiring the requisite skills and qualifications, in addition to work experience, to be better school managers.

“Schooling seems to still be based on the old paradigms of a head teacher who manages, instructs, and directs rather than a person who sees himself or herself as a leader of experts,” he advised. “[Instead] a facilitator of other leaders should invest himself or herself in helping those other leaders to flourish and bring to bear on the agenda of the school, their expertise.”

The conference was held from Feb. 28 to March 1, at the Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in Vieux Fort.