BARBADOS – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) recently hosted a two-day workshop for mathematics education stakeholders from across the Region. Participants reviewed the current status of Mathematics education in the Caribbean, identified current good practices, and came up with strategies to improve students’ mastery of the subject.

In the Caribbean, pass rates in Mathematics at the primary and secondary level are an area of concern. Pass rates typically do not exceed 60% in any national or regional assessments. Against this background, in 2014, CDB supported research into instructional practices of mathematics teachers in the Eastern Caribbean. The study, conducted by the School of Education, Cave Hill Campus, University of the West Indies, aimed to identify solutions to improve teacher effectiveness and student learning in mathematics. The recently held workshop is a continuation of those efforts.

Taking into account the results of the research study, workshop participants developed a draft comprehensive Framework for Action and Results in Mathematics Education (FAME), which is meant to inform ongoing policy reforms, and support concrete interventions in Mathematics education across the region. Upon completion, the FAME will be presented to the CARICOM Council of Human and Social Development and the OECS Council of Ministers of Education for adoption and implementation by CARICOM and OECS member countries.  (CDB)…[+]