Remediation programmes in mathematics, English now compulsory -ministry

The Education Ministry recently mandated that all primary and secondary schools
implement remediation programmes in mathematics and English to elevate slow learners
to acceptable standards, a statement from the ministry today said.
In a recent circular to all schools, the ministry has instructed that remediation
sessions be conducted for one hour, four days per week, for all grade levels as the
need exists.
The circular said that “Each school is required to provide a remediation schedule detailing
the classes, number of pupils/students, time and assigned teachers for the term to their
respective departments of education no later than the end of the second week after
the commencement of each term.
“Each school is required to provide written notification to parents of all
pupils/students selected for remediation outlining the days and times their children
are required to attend these classes. An attendance record must be kept at each
school,” the circular stated.
The document which came into effect from September 1, noted that all departments of
education are required to provide professional development support for teachers in
the area of remediation education, and to monitor the remediation
programmes in schools.
The statement said that at the primary level, the ministry has restructured several
remediation programmes to ensure that students who leave that cycle are able to
master basic literacy and numeracy.
Some of the programmes currently being offered include, the post- Grade Two, Four
and Six remediation classes and the Performance Enhancement Project.
The ministry said that the initiatives target students who obtained below 50 per cent
in English and Mathematics at their end of year examinations. 
It said that the general objective is to not only
improve students’ performance in these two areas, but also to facilitate their
smooth transition to secondary school.
The ministry has also instituted upgrading programmes for Grade Seven and Eight
students who performed poorly in Mathematics and English during the July/August
vacation.
Some 20,000 students benefitted from the two month programme that was held
throughout the country, the ministry said.
The ministry said it has also introduced a six-year secondary school programme for low
performers at the National Grade Six Assessment with heavy emphasis on literacy and
numeracy in the first year to bring these students on par with secondary school
standards.