October 5, 2020 is the targeted date for the virtual opening of public and private schools throughout the archipelago. Minister of Education Lloyd announced that the Covid-19 pandemic forced the Department of Education to engage in more urgent planning and considerations. Schools were previously scheduled to open on September 21, 2020.
As public school students and teachers prepare for the 2020-2021 academic year, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education, announced plans for a National Orientation for what is described as the ‘most unusual year in the history of education in the Bahamas’.
In a Communication to Parliament, Minister Lloyd provided an update on the reopening of schools and zeroed in on various modes of instruction to be deployed at various campuses, the availability of technological instruments or devices for students identified by the Ministry in need; and the provision of alternate support for students and parents who need such support.
“I ask respectfully that parents, students and all stakeholders pay very close attention over the next days and weeks to all announcements emanating from the Ministry about the opening and operation of school this year. It will be the most unusual year in the history of education in the Bahamas,” said Minister Lloyd.
Three instructional models are being used by the Ministry of Education (MOE). They are: the traditional face-to-face, the virtual (all instructions to be delivered online) or the hybrid, which is a combination of the face-to-face and the virtual.
Beginning October 5, the MOE will conduct a week of orientation throughout The Bahamas to familiarize all students and educators with how to access all facets of the new educational virtual paradigm. The orientation will be face-to-face, in a staggered fashion, convenient and accessible for all students
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