In line with the directives of Bill 35-0050, now Act 8717, the Virgin Islands Board of Education will introduce an Academic Walk-Through Checklist for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This checklist will facilitate the evaluation of curricula, instruction, resources, and support programs to sustain and enhance high-performing schools. A dedicated team comprising of Board members and various stakeholders will conduct visits to schools and classrooms to assess core standards, grade-level instruction, instructional materials, and practices that directly influence student educational outcomes.
Prior to the rollout of the Academic Walk-Through Checklist, stakeholders including parents/guardians and students from 3rd to 12th grades will be invited to complete online surveys. These surveys will gauge their understanding of curriculum, standards, school methodologies, inclusive support, intervention strategies, and school performance on Smarter Balanced tests. Information regarding the Academic Walk-Through Checklist and Surveys (Parent & Students) will be available at www.myviboe.com under Resources and then click on Surveys section starting March 25 through 29, 2024. Additionally, updates will be shared through VIDE Facebook, VIBE Facebook, School Messenger Portals, Parent Teacher Association groups, and Student Government Association posts. Assistance will be provided to aid in understanding the surveys and the completion process.
Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, Chairman of the Board, calls upon the entire community to demonstrate solidarity and dedication to our territory’s schools as we address learning disparities and achievement gaps. It is imperative that all segments of our diverse community contribute to educational transformation by collaborating with the Board of Education and the Department of Education to elevate educational standards. This entails active participation in data collection through completion of the surveys, analyzing survey findings, and formulating proactive action plans to enhance learning outcomes and student achievements.
Dr. Callwood emphasizes the words of researchers Souza & Tomlinson, stating, “The aim of assessment should be to improve student performance, not merely audit it.” He further echoes David N. Perkins’ sentiment that assessment should be geared towards enhancing learning processes and strengthening learners, rather than merely grading or evaluating instructional effectiveness.
