Chief Education Officer: CEE not watered down!

Chief Education Officer, Lou Anne Gilchrist, is asking persons to do their research and analysis before commenting negatively on the recently held Common Entrance Exams (CEE).{{more}}

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) In-Service Teaching Workshop, Gilchrist responded to comments made by SVGTU 1st Vice President Ronald Clarke who said that persons have said that the CEE is ‘watered down’.

Gilchrist explained the process involved in preparing the CEE examinations. She explained that the Ministry’s focus is on improving students’ critical thinking and said that the items are subjected to ‘rigorous analysis’ to make sure that the students are properly tested. Gilchrist added that the results of the exams reflect the hard work of the Ministry, teachers, children and the stakeholders involved in the process. “It is not watered down!” Gilchrist emphasized.

Clarke, also speaking at the ceremony, said that teachers should denounce such negative statements. Saying that the comments about the CEE exams are “undermining your work as teachers,” Clarke added that teachers should not be afraid to congratulate themselves for their hard work. He said that more work must be done to make sure that 100 per cent passes in the CEE are attained and that the passes must be of good quality.

The two-week In-service training Workshop is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, The Canadian Teachers’ Federation and first time sponsor Pearson. (OS)