Trinidad and Tobago
Description
Trinidad and Tobago's response to school closure.
Context
Early Childhood Care and Education Centres
(Public & Private) - 841
Students: 26,657
Teachers: 2,394
Primary Schools (Public) – 476
Infant Yr I: 17,173
Infant Yr II: 16,735
Standard 1: 16,714
Standard 2: 17,151
Standard 3: 17,589
Standard 4: 18,167
Standard 5: 16,926
Teachers at the primary level: 6,978
Primary Schools (Private) – 81
Enrolment and staff numbers not available
Special Schools (Public & Private) – 43
Students: 552
Teachers: 103
Secondary Schools (Public) – 134
Form 1: 16,223
Form 2: 15,058
Form 3: 15,838
Form 4: 14,684
Form 5: 14,645
Form 6: 7,106
Teachers at the secondary level: 6,928
Secondary Schools (Private) - 55
Enrolment and staff numbers not available
SERVOL Centres – 10
Students: 423 Staff not available
TVET & Tertiary Institutions (Public) – 90
Students: 37,238
Lecturers: 2,049
TVET & Tertiary Institutions (Private) - 48
Enrolment and staff numbers not available
Provision of transport: Public Transport Service Corporation, a State Agency under the Ministry of Works and Transport
Provision of meals: National Schools Dietary Services Limited, a State Enterprise under the Ministry of Education
Provision of examination related services: Division of Educational Services, Ministry of Education
Immediate response
Schools closed at all levels. School reopening was announced for January 5th, 2021.
Closed. Clear instructions received regarding the education aspect.freo
Continuity of classes is taking place via:
- The School Learning Management Information System (SLMS)– https://www.learn.moe.gov.tt ;
- The Education Management Information System (EMIS)
- https://www.emis.moe.gov.tt
- a variety of local websites and schools offering digital content via Google Classroom etc.
- teaching sessions offered on television.
Support Tools
It is being used.
They are being used.
Digital technologies are in use. The SLMS provided is based on Moodle which allows for interactive content and classes. The platforms in use are nationwide.
The SLMS and EMIS combined satisfy all four points listed. The adoption of the platforms are in progress.
No.
Connectivity
5-Star ICT in Education Programme.
All secondary schools have an internet connection, primary school connectivity is approx. 25-35%.
The Ministry of Education is in coordination with the Authority of Telecommunications (TATT), the Ministry of Public Administration and two internet providers (TSTT and Digicel) to ensure free internet access.
Challenges
The lack of internet access via WTTX technology for rural areas as well as device availability.
There is also a need for teacher training.
Reopening
Plans and protocols are being considered.