Education Board Seeks Input on Schools Through Comprehensive Survey

The Virgin Islands Board of Education (VIBE) is set to launch an important initiative aimed at gathering insights from parents and students on their perceptions and experiences within the territory’s educational system. This endeavor is part of a broader effort to tailor and enhance educational policies and programs for the benefit of all learners.

Kyza Callwood, Chair of VIBE, emphasized the significance of community input in a recent statement, announcing the rollout of the Academic Pursuits & Learning Survey slated for March 25-29. Dr. Callwood passionately expressed, “Your participation provides a direct line to shaping the educational landscape, ensuring we address your needs and concerns to create a more enriching learning environment.”

Winona Hendricks, who leads the School Plant & Facilities Committee at VIBE, elaborated on the survey’s objectives in a discussion with Consortium reporters. This move is in response to new legislative mandates tasking VIBE with the evaluation of the public school system’s curriculum and instructional strategies. “This survey will allow us to understand the community’s perspective on educational standards, curriculum, and the overall school experience,” Hendricks shared.

The survey delves into various aspects of the educational environment, including the ease of communication with teachers and administrators, awareness of school and board policies, and invites open feedback from the community.

To cater to different age groups, the survey has been diversified into three tailored versions: one for parents, another for students in grades 8-12, and a simplified format for students in grades 3-7, utilizing emojis and fewer questions to engage younger respondents effectively.

Following the survey’s closure on March 29, the data will serve as a foundation for VIBE’s strategic planning and policy formulation. Hendricks highlighted the potential insights the survey could unveil, such as parental awareness of curriculum requirements and the identification of areas needing improvement, like punctuality and addressing chronic absenteeism.

In addition to the survey, VIBE is preparing to pilot a Curriculum and Instruction Checklist in April, aimed at holding the public education system accountable. This checklist will be trialed in four schools across the territory, assessing various educational components, including enrollment, program offerings, and the implementation of early childhood and culturally responsive instructional practices.

The pilot project is a precursor to a territory-wide rollout scheduled for the upcoming school year, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of educational practices.

Hendricks underscored the importance of active participation in the survey, viewing it as a critical step towards elevating educational standards in the Virgin Islands. The initiative reflects VIBE’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and unlocking the potential of the territory’s talented students, in line with the goals set by the U.S. Department of Education.