Minister of Education on Covid measures

[K74T]

Main Points re Operational Guidelines for Term I 2020/21 as outlined at this morning's MOE Press Conference:

1. The School Term will run from Sept 1st to Dec 11th, 2020.
2. Schools will be open but students are not required to be physically present for classes until further advised
3. Teachers are expected to deliver the curriculum to students remotely
4. Sept 1st -4th will be dedicated to new student orientation, teacher orientation and planning activities.
5. September 7th -14th is carded for student orientation, parent orientation, learning resource preparation, and further planning activities if required. Schools may also begin teaching and learning activities during this time. However- all schools should be engaged in teaching and learning by September 14th.
6. There will be 2 categories of students- those who can participate in the online environment, and those who cannot.
7. Teachers are free to engage Category 1 using the guidelines provided for online instruction by the MOE (training in online teaching has been provided by the MOE). For Category 2 students, teachers should provide printed packages of learning materials for collection at schools at least once weekly. Corrected assignments etc should also be sent back to students by this mechanism.
8. The resources of the school will be available to teachers for teaching purpose. School buildings should be open to teachers who want to access wifi or printing services. However, work from home arrangements should be approved by principals once delivery is not impacted.
9. Channels 4 &16 have been assigned to the MOE to run instructional material exclusively. A schedule will be published. This is a further student, parent and teacher resource.
10. Discussions to provide General Education radio features are also underway; content for modern languages is also intended to be created.
11. A weekly pullout in the print media targeting the ECCE and Infant year activities will be available to parents.
12. Parents will be expected to ensure that their children are engaged in the teaching and learning exercise by maintaining contact with teachers.
13. The School Feeding program will be modified- 500 lunches per day will be delivered to MP Offices from Sept 7th to allow for distribution throughout the community to children who require this service.
14. No final exams will be set. Teachers will use continuous assessment for grading purposes.

[K74T]

Key Points From The Ministry of Education’s Media Conference – Friday 28th August 2020

- The Minister of Education, Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly gave a breakdown of the Education Plan for Term One of Schooling. The points are as follows:
- Term One of School will start on September 1st and end on December 11th, the Curriculum is expected to start from September 7th - 14th
- Teachers are expected to prepare printed packages which would be made available for pick up by parents for students who do not have access to online learning. The Learning Packages will also contain assignments to be completed by the students and delivered to the school to be corrected, once a week.
- Work from Home arrangements for Teachers are encouraged but once proper health and safety practices are observed, they can work at schools.
- By September 14th, ALL schools are expected to be fully engaged in the teaching and learning process.
- The Ministry of Education will provide additional learning resources for students via TV, Radio and Print Media.
- The School Feeding Program will be modified, where 500 lunches a day will be delivered to MP Offices for distribution to children in need.
- Online Counselling will also be provided for students that need the service.
- Up to 65,000 students don't have access to online learning. The Government is asking Corporate T&T to aid in providing devices and connectivity to these students.
- Teachers are expected to establish connection with student/parents who don't have access to online learning, via telephone/Whatsapp etc.
- Teachers are expected to keep an attendance record so that parents can be contacted if students are not engaging with the classes.
- There will be no final exam this term, only continuous assessment.
- CSEC/CAPE Courses will have their practical components suspended for term 1.

- Minister Gadsby-Dolly when answering a question on the status of SEA 2021, indicated that the Ministry is currently considering narrowing the SEA curriculum. The Minister stated that the format will remain unchanged but a reduction in the amount of topics examined is being considered.

- The Minister of Education also stated that SEA Results are expected on October 8th, as a result, Form One students will officially start school mid-October. However, the Minister said that prior to this, they can still benefit from the learning resources that the Education Ministry will be making available to the public.

[Rovin]

all d time according to pee nm laptops or even tablets wasnt a good idea cause all dem chirren used to do with it was play game & watch porn , now look at how d tables are being turned & they want to beg companies to sponsor it too ......

[zoom rader]

all d time according to pee nm laptops or even tablets wasnt a good idea cause all dem chirren used to do with it was play game & watch porn , now look at how d tables are being turned & they want to beg companies to sponsor it too ......

How many PNM households have Wi-Fi?

PNM kids are going to be further left behind and asking Hinds for 20

[sMASH]

F* dem. Who really interested will find a way

[zoom rader]

F* dem. Who really interested will find a way

Nah

Something needs to be done with PNM kids, they can't be left behind otherwise we will have an increase in Crime and less law abiding citizens.

[bluefete]

F* dem. Who really interested will find a way

Nah

Something needs to be done with PNM kids, they can't be left behind otherwise we will have an increase in Crime and less law abiding citizens.

But they could take the weave and fingernails money they spending every week and buy a laptop for their children.

[Morpheus]

F* dem. Who really interested will find a way

Nah

Something needs to be done with PNM kids, they can't be left behind otherwise we will have an increase in Crime and less law abiding citizens.

LoL this guy can sing any other tune?

[zoom rader]

F* dem. Who really interested will find a way

Nah

Something needs to be done with PNM kids, they can't be left behind otherwise we will have an increase in Crime and less law abiding citizens.

LoL this guy can sing any other tune?

I disapprove on the behaviour of PNM ppl cause they are discussing. A radical social change is need to reformed these ppl. They dont contribute any thing to help improved this country.

Jails are full of PNM ppl

You want more PNM ppl crime ?

[Ben_spanna]

For each Minister or member of parliament that buys a New Luxury Car and get close to $ 200k-300k off not having to pay mvt and duties.... that's a possibility of denying close to 150 needy children of a much needed laptop.. you really think they care?

if FLOW, TSTT and Digicell would give limited internet access to low income areas of the country during class time whats the problem? why does corporate Trinidad have to contribute when they are already on the verge of going out of business?
I certainly don't hear our cable and internet providers screaming for compensation due to lockdown!

[sMASH]

F* dem. Who really interested will find a way

Nah

Something needs to be done with PNM kids, they can't be left behind otherwise we will have an increase in Crime and less law abiding citizens.

LoL this guy can sing any other tune?

gg has a program that tries to address the tendency of the underprivileged towards the crime. slowly but surely he reducing the numbers. it will take time, but u will see the statistics turn towards the industrious, give him a few more years.

[EFFECTIC DESIGNS]

all d time according to pee nm laptops or even tablets wasnt a good idea cause all dem chirren used to do with it was play game & watch porn , now look at how d tables are being turned & they want to beg companies to sponsor it too ......

How many PNM households have Wi-Fi?

PNM kids are going to be further left behind and asking Hinds for 20

Far more than UNC households.

Have you been living under a rock?

UNC households never even had cable TV much less internet and when it did have internet it was sh!tty dial up. All the PNM areas had DSL in those days and were the FIRST to get Fiber or DOCSIS technology

To this day most PNM people I know have Data on their phone PLUS broadband home mind you I can't even afford that I just have to settle for a crappy 200mbps Flow connection.

The only UNC area with DSL internet back in those days was St Augustine

[sMASH]

all d time according to pee nm laptops or even tablets wasnt a good idea cause all dem chirren used to do with it was play game & watch porn , now look at how d tables are being turned & they want to beg companies to sponsor it too ......

How many PNM households have Wi-Fi?

PNM kids are going to be further left behind and asking Hinds for 20

Far more than UNC households.

Have you been living under a rock?

UNC households never even had cable TV much less internet and when it did have internet it was sh!tty dial up. All the PNM areas had DSL in those days and were the FIRST to get Fiber or DOCSIS technology

To this day most PNM people I know have Data on their phone PLUS broadband home mind you I can't even afford that I just have to settle for a crappy 200mbps Flow connection.

The only UNC area with DSL internet back in those days was St Augustine

soo, for the first lockdown, they didnt need the hampers?

[Dohplaydat]

all d time according to pee nm laptops or even tablets wasnt a good idea cause all dem chirren used to do with it was play game & watch porn , now look at how d tables are being turned & they want to beg companies to sponsor it too ......

How many PNM households have Wi-Fi?

PNM kids are going to be further left behind and asking Hinds for 20

Far more than UNC households.

Have you been living under a rock?

UNC households never even had cable TV much less internet and when it did have internet it was sh!tty dial up. All the PNM areas had DSL in those days and were the FIRST to get Fiber or DOCSIS technology

To this day most PNM people I know have Data on their phone PLUS broadband home mind you I can't even afford that I just have to settle for a crappy 200mbps Flow connection.

The only UNC area with DSL internet back in those days was St Augustine

The fiber coverage for the country is now close to 90% of households. This was true prior to Digicel Play

[paid_influencer]

TUTTA saying teachers shouldn't have to go to school for any meetings.

https://www.facebook.com/95007233172417 ... 803125873/

TUTTA is the most powerful union in the country. The meetings would be an 'orientation' for the rest of the term, after which teachers would have to report to school as usual (unless a particular teacher can demonstrate that they are conducting classes virtually, at which point that particular teacher will be allowed work from home).

If TUTTA can't agree on meetings to begin with, the rest of the term looks like a lost cause for students.

[zoom rader]

all d time according to pee nm laptops or even tablets wasnt a good idea cause all dem chirren used to do with it was play game & watch porn , now look at how d tables are being turned & they want to beg companies to sponsor it too ......

How many PNM households have Wi-Fi?

PNM kids are going to be further left behind and asking Hinds for 20

Far more than UNC households.

Have you been living under a rock?

UNC households never even had cable TV much less internet and when it did have internet it was sh!tty dial up. All the PNM areas had DSL in those days and were the FIRST to get Fiber or DOCSIS technology

To this day most PNM people I know have Data on their phone PLUS broadband home mind you I can't even afford that I just have to settle for a crappy 200mbps Flow connection.

The only UNC area with DSL internet back in those days was St Augustine

Probably explains why UWI is cramed with non PNM kids.

In the abundance of water a fool is thirsty

[sMASH]

As long as they can conduct work from home, they should be mandated to violate the no more than 5.

TUTTA saying teachers shouldn't have to go to school for any meetings.

118485428_3402721809792539_8529912364973152068_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/95007233172417 ... 803125873/

TUTTA is the most powerful union in the country. The meetings would be an 'orientation' for the rest of the term, after which teachers would have to report to school as usual (unless a particular teacher can demonstrate that they are conducting classes virtually, at which point that particular teacher will be allowed work from home).

If TUTTA can't agree on meetings to begin with, the rest of the term looks like a lost cause for students.

[paid_influencer]

TUTTA looking for a fight, they looking to show the new Minister who is the boss.

[bluefete]

Two young girls use Taco Bell's free Wi-Fi to finish their homework amid concern over 'digital divide' for low-income students


A photo shared to Instagram showed two young children in Salinas, California, sitting outside a Taco Bell so they can use the free Wi-Fi for homework (pictured)

The pandemic has exacerbated some students' ability to obtain adequate education resources.

Technology inequality has continued to be a problem nationwide for a plethora of school districts, but the pandemic showcased a significant hurdle in distance learning.

The Salinas City Elementary School District, one of the largest in Monterey County, identified the children as their students.

One student attends Sherwood Elementary School, and the other is a student at Los Padres Elementary School, The Californian reports.

The Salinas City Elementary School District said in a statement that they were aware of the photo and had provided resources to those children.

'Our district became aware of a post that is circulating on social media early this morning,' wrote Richard Gebin, public relations officer for the Salinas City Elementary School District.

'We immediately identified the students belonging to SCESD, and since then, have provided the family with a hotspot so that our students can safely access classroom instruction from home.

'We are aware of connectivity concerns and we have placed additional orders for hotspots to address the digital divide.'

Board President Amy Ish also acknowledged the digital inequality experienced by students in Salinas and neighboring areas.

'The digital divide is very clear and delays in receiving needed technology are a statewide concern, we are grateful the state is making technology a priority and look forward to receiving these hotspots in our district,' said Ish.

The school district is asking families to contact their school sites if they face similar problems with digital resources and distance learning.

Families who need internet access can contact their child's school Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... cerns.html

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

[sMASH]

Two young girls use Taco Bell's free Wi-Fi to finish their homework amid concern over 'digital divide' for low-income students


A photo shared to Instagram showed two young children in Salinas, California, sitting outside a Taco Bell so they can use the free Wi-Fi for homework (pictured)

The pandemic has exacerbated some students' ability to obtain adequate education resources.

Technology inequality has continued to be a problem nationwide for a plethora of school districts, but the pandemic showcased a significant hurdle in distance learning.

The Salinas City Elementary School District, one of the largest in Monterey County, identified the children as their students.

One student attends Sherwood Elementary School, and the other is a student at Los Padres Elementary School, The Californian reports.

The Salinas City Elementary School District said in a statement that they were aware of the photo and had provided resources to those children.

'Our district became aware of a post that is circulating on social media early this morning,' wrote Richard Gebin, public relations officer for the Salinas City Elementary School District.

'We immediately identified the students belonging to SCESD, and since then, have provided the family with a hotspot so that our students can safely access classroom instruction from home.

'We are aware of connectivity concerns and we have placed additional orders for hotspots to address the digital divide.'

Board President Amy Ish also acknowledged the digital inequality experienced by students in Salinas and neighboring areas.

'The digital divide is very clear and delays in receiving needed technology are a statewide concern, we are grateful the state is making technology a priority and look forward to receiving these hotspots in our district,' said Ish.

The school district is asking families to contact their school sites if they face similar problems with digital resources and distance learning.

Families who need internet access can contact their child's school Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... cerns.html

if u really want it, u will find a way.

[Dohplaydat]

Two young girls use Taco Bell's free Wi-Fi to finish their homework amid concern over 'digital divide' for low-income students


A photo shared to Instagram showed two young children in Salinas, California, sitting outside a Taco Bell so they can use the free Wi-Fi for homework (pictured)

The pandemic has exacerbated some students' ability to obtain adequate education resources.

Technology inequality has continued to be a problem nationwide for a plethora of school districts, but the pandemic showcased a significant hurdle in distance learning.

The Salinas City Elementary School District, one of the largest in Monterey County, identified the children as their students.

One student attends Sherwood Elementary School, and the other is a student at Los Padres Elementary School, The Californian reports.

The Salinas City Elementary School District said in a statement that they were aware of the photo and had provided resources to those children.

'Our district became aware of a post that is circulating on social media early this morning,' wrote Richard Gebin, public relations officer for the Salinas City Elementary School District.

'We immediately identified the students belonging to SCESD, and since then, have provided the family with a hotspot so that our students can safely access classroom instruction from home.

'We are aware of connectivity concerns and we have placed additional orders for hotspots to address the digital divide.'

Board President Amy Ish also acknowledged the digital inequality experienced by students in Salinas and neighboring areas.

'The digital divide is very clear and delays in receiving needed technology are a statewide concern, we are grateful the state is making technology a priority and look forward to receiving these hotspots in our district,' said Ish.

The school district is asking families to contact their school sites if they face similar problems with digital resources and distance learning.

Families who need internet access can contact their child's school Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... cerns.html

if u really want it, u will find a way.

Instead of wasting time with BLM those same outraged groups should be ensuring poor kids of all races have basic necessities for online learning.

[maj. tom]

Now would be a great time for Elon Musk to capture our hearts and minds with that Starlink internet plan. It will be the way forward for the entire global communications infrastructure.

[sMASH]

u could have multiple challenges that need addressing simultaneously. if the BLM peeps stop, u could get the children misidentified by some officer as a loiterer, and the kid not knowing what the officer is about, then the officer will fear for his life and u got 7 bullets in another kid.

[Dohplaydat]

u could have multiple challenges that need addressing simultaneously. if the BLM peeps stop, u could get the children misidentified by some officer as a loiterer, and the kid not knowing what the officer is about, then the officer will fear for his life and u got 7 bullets in another kid.

I'm not disagreeing that two problems can co-exist. I'm saying the amount of money and effort being put forth by BLM liberals here is completely unnecessary and exacerbating the problem. It's the worst way to fight racism because you end up making neutrals (most republicans) turn against you.

Rather take that same effort and use it to help/educate all underprivileged kids. Show you're being the bigger person and earn respect by doing good as opposed to protesting and rioting unreasonably.

[nemisis]

Just saying turning the other cheek hasn't been working for them

u could have multiple challenges that need addressing simultaneously. if the BLM peeps stop, u could get the children misidentified by some officer as a loiterer, and the kid not knowing what the officer is about, then the officer will fear for his life and u got 7 bullets in another kid.

I'm not disagreeing that two problems can co-exist. I'm saying the amount of money and effort being put forth by BLM liberals here is completely unnecessary and exacerbating the problem. It's the worst way to fight racism because you end up making neutrals (most republicans) turn against you.

Rather take that same effort and use it to help/educate all underprivileged kids. Show you're being the bigger person and earn respect by doing good as opposed to protesting and rioting unreasonably.

[zoom rader]

u could have multiple challenges that need addressing simultaneously. if the BLM peeps stop, u could get the children misidentified by some officer as a loiterer, and the kid not knowing what the officer is about, then the officer will fear for his life and u got 7 bullets in another kid.

I'm not disagreeing that two problems can co-exist. I'm saying the amount of money and effort being put forth by BLM liberals here is completely unnecessary and exacerbating the problem. It's the worst way to fight racism because you end up making neutrals (most republicans) turn against you.

Rather take that same effort and use it to help/educate all underprivileged kids. Show you're being the bigger person and earn respect by doing good as opposed to protesting and rioting unreasonably.

We don't have BML in Trini and don't need it.

Fact is PNM kids are still lagging behind

[paid_influencer]

118310218_3408806379184082_8225399141264201370_n.jpg

some of the language TUTTA is using is really inappropriate. Going to a mostly empty school for a socially distanced meeting with everybody masked, is not "risking their lives." The gross exaggeration of the risk is being unreasonable - maybe even disingenuous - from the start.

[sMASH]

If u want it, u will find a way. If u want education u will fite up and gt. If u want to zess, gg have ting to deal with that.

u could have multiple challenges that need addressing simultaneously. if the BLM peeps stop, u could get the children misidentified by some officer as a loiterer, and the kid not knowing what the officer is about, then the officer will fear for his life and u got 7 bullets in another kid.

I'm not disagreeing that two problems can co-exist. I'm saying the amount of money and effort being put forth by BLM liberals here is completely unnecessary and exacerbating the problem. It's the worst way to fight racism because you end up making neutrals (most republicans) turn against you.

Rather take that same effort and use it to help/educate all underprivileged kids. Show you're being the bigger person and earn respect by doing good as opposed to protesting and rioting unreasonably.

We don't have BML in Trini and don't need it.

Fact is PNM kids are still lagging behind

[sMASH]

It's risking infection which may be risking life, and In line with the sentiments of the government concerning spread of the virus. Stay home, and stay safe.

118310218_3408806379184082_8225399141264201370_n.jpg

some of the language TUTTA is using is really inappropriate. Going to a mostly empty school for a socially distanced meeting with everybody masked, is not "risking their lives." The gross exaggeration of the risk is being unreasonable - maybe even disingenuous - from the start.

I hope this new PNM Minister of Education gives them wood from the start.