Education Committee Forum
Transforming The Jamaican Education Sector: Making Reform A Reality
On May 7, 2005, JAMPACT will host a forum that will explore some of the many of issues
facing Jamaica as we attempt to embark on the transformation of our education sector. In doing
so we must begin by unraveling the report commissioned by the Jamaican government entitled "Task
Force on Education Reform"
(http://www.jis.gov.jm/EducationTaskForce.pdf). This document outlines the government’s goals
and vision and will serve a guide for the transformation that is to take place in Jamaica’s
education system over the next 10 years.
Speakers:
Wentworth Gabbidon, Immediate Past President, Jamaica Teachers Association
Pedro Antonio Noguera, PhD, Director, Metro Center for Research on Urban Schools and Globalization
Andrene Bonner, ESC Student Specialist
Barbara Richards, President of UJAA
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2005
Time: 1-5 pm
Location: The Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, 767 Third Ave.
Contact: Cathy Kleinhans at education1@jampact.org or 212. 459.44390
Tentative Format
We intend to host a forum that is very interactive. While we will have conventional presentations
from both Dr. Noguera and Mr. Gabbidon, we will also convene two breakout sessions.
Breakout session 1
Mr. Gabbidon and Ms. Andrene Bonner will be exploring best practices and the various avenues through
which Jamaicans in the Diaspora can aid Jamaican teachers in attaining the goals in the Task Force on
Education Reform report.
Breakout session 2
Dr. Noguera and Mrs. Barbara Richards (UJAA) and will be exploring strategies and challenges to
effective implementation.
Please note: May 1-7 is national education week in Jamaica.
May 4th is teachers' Day. This debate is JAMPACT'S contribution to education week in Jamaica, Join us and show
your support for tomorrow's children.
