Government
Education Department Resists Shift Back to Online Learning, Citing Lower Proficiency Scores and Over 1,000 Unaccounted or Damaged Devices
The efficacy of online learning in St. Croix is being questioned, as revealed by Education Superintendent Dr. Ericilda Ottley-Herman, who shared concerning data in a recent Department of Education broadcast.
The data unveiled a notable decrease in proficiency scores, with a mere 5.6 percent of students achieving proficiency in mathematics and 17.4 percent in English language arts post-pandemic. Furthermore, a significant number of digital devices distributed for online learning have either not been returned or are damaged, exacerbating the doubts surrounding the viability of digital education in the district.
In responding to inquiries regarding the department’s apparent reluctance to revert to the online learning model utilized during the pandemic’s peak, despite dire conditions in St. Croix schools, Ottley-Herman highlighted the concerning statistics.
“Post-pandemic, 5.6 percent of our students in the St. Croix district demonstrated proficiency in the Smarter Balanced assessments in mathematics; 17.4 percent were proficient in English language arts,” the superintendent disclosed. These numbers mark a decline from the figures reported last year by the Consortium, with Ottley-Herman adding that pre-pandemic scores stood at 10 percent proficiency for mathematics and 28 percent for English language arts.
Now, education authorities are scrutinizing the impact of virtual learning on the “learning loss” phenomenon. The hurdles posed by online learning were further complicated by challenges in managing student behavior. Ottley-Herman mentioned that while some students wouldn’t log on, others would be online but disengaged. Despite these challenges, she affirmed that technology will continue to be an option as the Department of Education enhances the infrastructure in the territory’s schools. Ottley-Herman emphasized, “We are aware that face-to-face instruction is effective. This understanding informed the decision to adjust the schedule to facilitate in-person instruction, given its positive impact on proficiency, especially in schools with a history of low scores.”
Ottley-Herman noted that students in these persistently low-performing schools would benefit from an extended online coaching program, which had shown promising outcomes during a trial. However, Education Commissioner Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington stressed that such initiatives must be spearheaded by principals. Given the ongoing teacher shortages and the fact that many qualified coaches are already engaged within the education sector, she foresaw schools utilizing their budget to engage retired teachers or other suitable individuals on a per diem basis. “The change we aim to see must originate from the classroom,” the commissioner emphasized during a Thursday event addressing the learning conditions in St. Croix educational institutions.
As the Education Department strives to restore proficiency test scores to pre-pandemic levels, Thursday’s broadcast also revealed the loss of many devices allocated for online learning during the pandemic. According to Wells-Hedrington, “600 devices are unaccounted for at [St. Croix Educational] Complex, and another 500 at Central [High School], either not returned or returned damaged.” Additionally, the department faces a $700,000 bill from Viya for MiFi devices not returned.
While new devices have been acquired through emergency grant support, Wells-Hedrington pointed out that students who received multiple replacement devices during the pandemic “cannot be granted ownership of a device, as they failed to return the Department of Education’s assets.” Discussions are underway to ascertain how to ensure all students have access to technology while fostering a sense of responsibility among both parents and students.
Improving academic proficiency is a cornerstone of the D.O.E.’s “Give Us 10” district-wide campaign, which aims for a 10 percent increment in academics and attendance, along with a 10 percent reduction in incidents. Ottley-Herman, the St. Croix superintendent, mentioned that strategies to achieve these objectives will be customized to accommodate the unique needs of individual schools on St. Croix.
Although there have been grievances from students and educators regarding the challenges of teaching and learning in overheated, moldy classrooms, education officials contend that the alternative – jeopardizing learning altogether – is far more detrimental.
The Government of the Virgin Islands recently celebrated its most outstanding employees in a series of ceremonies on St. Croix and St. Thomas. More than 6,000 government employees were eligible, but only a select few were honored for their exceptional service and contributions to their divisions and the community.
At the ceremony in St. Croix, Division of Personnel Director Cindy Richardson highlighted the critical role these employees play in enhancing the operations of their agencies and improving the quality of life across the territory. She lauded the honorees for their exemplary service and professionalism.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. dispelled the notion that government workers are lackadaisical, instead praising the honorees for their dedication and impact. “You are pretty special,” he affirmed, acknowledging their positive influence within the community and among their colleagues.
Senate President Novelle Francis identified the honorees as the “cream of the crop,” and spotlighted Alfred Donowa, the employee of the year from the facilities management division in St. Croix. Donowa was praised for setting a high standard for his team. In St. Thomas, Adele Thomas was recognized as the employee of the year for her role as a receptionist in the Legislature’s offices.
The Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach also took part in the celebrations, commending employees like Carmen Francis from the Real Property Tax Division for her exceptional customer service, and Chris George from the Geographic Information Systems Division for his leadership.
The ceremonies not only recognized the honorees’ professional excellence but also their passion for their roles within the government. Lieutenant Governor Roach emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development to maintain job satisfaction and retain valuable staff.
The list of honorees included individuals from various departments such as Rachel Haverkorn of the Office of the Governor and Marianne Navarro from the Virgin Islands Lottery. From the Department of Agriculture, Maxine Richards was honored, and from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Diana Gumbs took the title. Belgrave Stedman was recognized from the Water and Power Authority, celebrated for his achievements despite public skepticism about the utility’s successes.
These ceremonies serve as a vital reminder of the dedicated individuals who contribute significantly to the functioning and improvement of government services in the Virgin Islands.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the nomination of Gordon Rhea as the new Attorney General for the U.S. Virgin Islands during a press conference on Monday. Highlighting Rhea’s extensive background, Governor Bryan described him as a candidate with unmatched legal expertise and service record. Rhea’s educational journey includes degrees from Indiana University, Harvard University, and Stanford Law School.
In his early career, Rhea distinguished himself as a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, later contributing his expertise in Washington D.C. at the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Activities. His professional tenure in the Virgin Islands spans over 40 years, initially serving as an assistant U.S. Attorney before moving into private practice.
Governor Bryan emphasized Rhea’s pivotal role in leading high-profile cases that have shaped the legal landscape in the territory. “His firm addressed some of the most significant legal challenges our community has encountered, such as landmark litigation against prominent industrial corporations concerning toxic exposures and environmental damage. These actions have protected our workforce and natural resources for future generations,” Governor Bryan stated. He specifically noted Rhea’s leadership in securing the largest civil jury verdict in the territory’s history, crucial for public health improvements.
Responding to his nomination, Rhea expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to serve as the Attorney General. Addressing potential conflicts of interest, particularly Rhea’s prior representation of a defendant in the Virgin Islands’ lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, Governor Bryan reassured that Rhea could recuse himself from any related cases to avoid conflicts.
Governor Bryan also shared his expectations for utilizing funds from the Epstein lawsuit, earmarked for the Justice Department. He expressed hope that under Rhea’s leadership, and pending confirmation, the funds would be used to enhance anti-trafficking initiatives and policies, pending legislative approval, which Rhea’s predecessor deemed necessary.
Following the departure of Ariel Smith from the office of attorney general, a renewed focus has been placed on the high turnover rate among appointees to this position. This situation has spurred legislative action aimed at allowing the residents of the Virgin Islands to elect their attorney general, a proposal brought forth by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger. During a legislative session on March 25, Heyliger introduced Bill 35-0248, emphasizing the necessity to diminish the political influences on the attorney general’s office.
The forthcoming committee discussions will determine the feasibility of requesting Congress’s permission for the USVI to hold elections for the attorney general’s position, a timetable for which remains to be established. Heyliger highlighted the urgency and the widespread desire for this change, noting the successful implementation of elected attorneys general in over 40 states across the nation. She also referenced a past referendum where a significant majority of Virgin Islands residents—76 percent—voted in favor of electing their attorney general, indicating a strong local push for this amendment.
Currently, Ian Clement serves as the acting attorney general, succeeding Ariel Smith, who held the position for less than a year. Smith had been appointed by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in March 2023, following Denise George’s dismissal, who had served for four years. This legislative proposal marks a pivotal step towards aligning the Virgin Islands with the broader trend of electing attorneys general, aiming to enhance the office’s independence and accountability to the public.
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