When public schools reopen in September for the academic year, students will have to meet specific standardized criteria to earn a high school diploma, according to Minister of Education Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald.
On a 4.00 grade point average (GPA) scale they will have to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 over grades 10 through 12; have attained four subjects in the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) Examination inclusive of mathematics, English language, a social science, a science or a technical study; complete a minimum of 28 credit hours in grades the last three years of school, 16 of the credits would have to be gained from core subjects and 12 of them must be earned through pathway courses.
Students will also have to complete 30 hours of unpaid community service on the students' own time during the 10th and 11th grades and 20 hours of job readiness training. The students must also maintain 90 percent or higher attendance and 90 percent punctuality over the three-year period.
Students meeting the required standards will be awarded the National Standardized High School Diploma. Students failing to attain the requirements will receive an attendance certificate.
Special needs students who are in their senior year, but who do not fulfill the requirements for the National High School Diploma may be granted a certificate of accomplishment if they have demonstrated competence in specific areas. The certificate will indicate the areas of competence for an employer.
Speaking at the 67th annual general meeting of the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), at SuperClubs Breezes Resort, Fitzgerald told the teachers that while their body is focused on transforming their union through empowering teachers, the ministry with responsibility for education is on a similar course of transforming education through the development of teachers and students. He told them that the ministry was committed to working with the BUT for the betterment of teachers whom he said are the foundation of the education system.
"We recognize the importance of empowering teachers to be equipped to perform their duties, particularly as it relates to instilling knowledge, skills and values in students who we want to become caring, patriotic and productive citizens of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas."
Fitzgerald told the teachers that their relationship with the ministry enabled them to transform education for the betterment of the 55,000 students and over 4,000 educators in the 168 schools and programs around the nation.
Educators were told that more would be required of them in the months ahead, particularly as it relates to the implementation of the National Standardized High School Diploma. He reiterated to them the importance of their role in the undertaking.
"The success of the National Standardized High School Diploma lies in your hands," said Fitzgerald. "At the end of the day, our educational system must reflect that we are graduating students who are equipped with the knowledge, wisdom and skills to become technologically savvy, self-sufficient, able to positively contribute to our national development and compete in the global arena."
The education minister reminded teachers that they signed on to become educators to develop the nation's youth, and told them that it was critical that they actively participate in the realization of the goal. He said from the administration, to teachers of 12th grade down to preschool, all staff and teachers should all be vested in the mission.
"Preschool and primary schools must establish the foundation for the high schools to refine and build on if we are to succeed," he said.
As the new graduation guidelines come into play, the teaching cohort will also be strengthened with the employment of an additional 108 teachers -- 40 graduates from The College of The Bahamas; 54 teachers appointed as
intervention specialists in the senior schools as a consequence of the implementation of the National High School Diploma and eight specialist Cuban teachers, at an additional cost of about $2,500,000.
This week, teachers are engaging in their annual summer professional development workshops with sessions aimed at enabling the educators to refresh their skills and learn new strategies for the classroom.
During the workshop, educators delved into topics such as 'awakening creativity in the preschool classroom', after which teachers were told they would be able to plan and execute appropriate creative development activities in the areas of art, music, movement and drama; while doing so, they could use indigenous, natural and recyclable materials to create teaching and learning experiences. During the 'Tune into Reading' workshop it was expected that the teachers would be able to use research findings to support the use of melodic learning in their classroom.
Attendees also participated in an action science workshop aimed at strengthening basic concepts; integrating the quantum learning approach -- visual, auditory and kinesthetic teaching strategies - into classroom instruction; integrating life skills and using research findings that support brain-based learning. Another workshop centered around integrating technology in the classroom and using creative strategies to integrate modern technology like smart phones, tablets and television in classroom instruction.
Other workshops focused on enhancing teachers' understanding of the impact of music on brain activity; using music movement and the brain as tools for teaching and learning mathematics; producing resources that would incorporate drama into everyday classroom learning and promote literacy, critical and creative thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills; using age and developmentally-appropriate reading materials and activities to support struggling students and developing activities to enhance strands of mathematics.
During the summer period between the last school year, more than 1,700 teachers participated in professional development activities.
As they prepare for the next academic year, Fitzgerald told educators that he hoped the 2014-2015 school year would not be as tumultuous as the 2013-2014 school year.
"We have endured marching, name calling [most of it unnecessary and unbecoming], coaches refusing to report to work and court actions. In retrospect, I would hope that moving forward, calm and mature heads can disagree without being disagreeable. The courts have ruled on every count before it and the status quo remains. Let us not (lose) another year bickering over matters which don't advance our teachers, students or the education system," said Fitzgerald.
He told teachers that he hopes they could put any ill will behind them, and assured them that he did not harbor any.
"I am focused on improving our educational system to make it more relevant and giving our students the best opportunity for success. I will work with anyone, and any organization that shares and is committed to that vision."
But he did remind them that he would fight tooth and nail against anyone who injures or tries to injure any teacher, student or administrator, or anyone or organization who attempts to disrupt the safe and orderly school environment, which he said is essential to promoting excellence in schools.

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