Schooling Reform In Saint Lucia

Contemporary societies reflect the dynamic cultural, social, economic and political changes that have been set in motion by globalizations. These societies are far different from their traditional counterparts. Their realities of global competitiveness, economic, political, technological, ecological and social interdependence; diversity in the emergence of new forms of multi-culture, multi-race and multi-nations have forced contemporary societies to demand more from education. This aptly implies that citizens of any society should be well rounded, equipped with heighten level of political consciousness and be able to functionally integrate into society as critical thinkers and problem solvers who will prudently meet those challenges without losing their identity, individuality, cultural footing and subsequently not become submerged and lost in this global fiasco.Additionally, the wellness of a nation is measured on how capable it can provide for and sustain its citizens: Likewise its progress can be determined based on how effective its education (particularly formal education or schooling) can cater for the intellectual, personal and skills development of its citizens. Hence, the onus is on the education system of a country is to produce citizens who are patriotic and yet at the same time have a sense of global sensitivity, who can easily adapt and effectively respond to the demands of modern societies. This means that education systems must employ profound reform mechanisms and strategies which are geared to address those demands. The focus of this research discourse is to first, explicate how schooling contributes to some of the existing social challenges in the Saint Lucian society; and then to determine the effectiveness of the educational reform measures undertaken by the Ministry of Education in addressing those social-cultural challenges and demands. In so doing, the researcher is of the hypothetical assumption that the very education system has to an extent contributed to the challenges faced by the Saint Lucian society; and has endeavored to illuminate that problem.Research findings have indicated the followings: That there is a need to empower vital social institutions with training, skills, duties and resources to assist in addressing the social challenges and demands faced by many compulsory school age children. For this empowerment to be effective policies needs to clearly articulate duties and responsibilities to the right social institution to enable them to perform effectively. Very importantly schooling should provide students with an avenue through which they can grow within the formal education system at least up to the compulsory school leaving age of 16. To ensure the ability to cater to all students the curriculum should be balance with an essential focus on skills, value and civic development. The researcher is of the view that, education being the powerful social institution that it is can be used to transform and transcend social changes and catalyze much needed economic growth.Society, particularly through its social aspects is a medium that reflects the success of the kinds of education that it has been served with. Education through its teachings be it implicit (morals, values, culture) or explicit (formal schooling, codes of conduct, policies, rules and regulation) sow seeds, which if cultivated carefully will ultimately blossom into a successful, progressive and productive society. Hence, it is on that premise that education and an effective education system are forwarded as the vaccine to cure and medicate existing social ills and difficulties and the anti-dote to immunize against further social challenges that may arise.