He outlined the ministry's five key focus areas under the
ongoing education transformation agenda, during a press conference on Monday.
"These include enhancing student achievement, improving
teacher quality, upgrading school infrastructure, strengthening the ministry's
operations, and updating the legal framework that governs the education
sector," Blackman said. "Work has already started in each of these
areas."
Among the initiatives now underway is the rollout of a
revised curriculum which includes coding, robotics, civics, and digital
literacy, and the upcoming launch of a School of Excellence in Early Childhood
Care and Development.
The minister said schools are also being upgraded using
designs submitted in a national competition, with a focus on climate resilience
and sustainability.
Teacher training is being expanded through workshops at the
Erdiston Teachers' Training College, and plans are in motion to establish a
Teaching Service Commission, Leadership Institute, and an independent quality
assurance body.
Blackman also confirmed that a full review of the Education
Act and supporting regulations is in progress, sharing that the updated
legislation will cover areas such as special education, psychosocial support,
socialemotional learning, and quality assurance.
Prefacing the new school year, he said the ministry will be
working closely with secondary school principals to ensure that students
entering in September receive the support they need from the very beginning.
"We have to ensure that it's not business as
usual," he said. "Every secondary school has a duty to make the
school experience one we can all be proud of."
He stressed the importance of meeting students where they
are in terms of their abilities, goals, and circumstances, and giving them a
clear path to succeed.
The transformation efforts also include the development of
an Inclusive Education Policy and Strategy, aimed at creating more
opportunities for both students with learning difficulties and those who are
academically gifted.
A town hall meeting on the policy will be held this
Wednesday, June 18.
Blackman thanked teachers, principals, support staff and
parents for their continued contribution to student success, saying the work
now being done across the education system was about building a stronger future
for the country.
