Broadcast Campaign Launches to Increase Public Engagement in Bermuda’s Education Reform
Created: Jan 22, 2024 07:55 AM
Today marks the commencement of a broadcast campaign aimed at fostering greater public participation in Bermuda’s ongoing public education reform. The initiative features a series of concise episodes on ZBM, complemented by weekly radio discussions, strategically tailored to reach diverse segments of the Bermudian population, as stated by Lisa DeSilva, the head of the Education Reform Unit.
DeSilva likened the current restructuring of the public education system to the transformative impact of the establishment of CedarBridge Academy in 1997, which revolutionized the landscape of government schooling. Transitioning from a three-tier system back to a two-tier model, she emphasized the comprehensive nature of the ongoing reforms, encompassing the entirety of the island.
The campaign, spearheaded by Mikaela Ian Pearman, a seasoned public relations professional, aims to captivate audiences with succinct messaging delivered by a familiar personality. DeSilva underscored the importance of public involvement in embracing the evolving educational landscape, citing the need to garner support and understanding for the reform initiatives.
The broadcast series, consisting of five one-minute episodes, will debut on the Bermuda Broadcasting Company’s nightly program, Bermuda Tonight. Each episode will delve into different facets of the school transformation agenda, focusing on key areas such as curriculum development, teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, learning environments, and graduation criteria.
Moreover, the campaign will feature weekly interviews on Power 95 and Ocean 89FM, providing a platform for stakeholders involved in the reforms to address queries from the audience. DeSilva expressed optimism that the interactive format would stimulate discussions and encourage community engagement with the reform process.
Noteworthy topics covered in the upcoming episodes include the paradigm shift in evaluation policies, aiming to veer away from traditional assessment methods towards more student-centric approaches that prioritize individual learning experiences and holistic development.
As the education reform unfolds gradually, targeting specific year groups initially and progressively expanding across the educational spectrum, DeSilva emphasized the iterative nature of the process, emphasizing the continual integration of diverse perspectives and ongoing enhancements to the educational framework.
In essence, the broadcast campaign serves as a conduit for disseminating information, fostering dialogue, and showcasing the collaborative efforts of the dedicated 12-member education reform team. With a commitment to inclusivity and sustained improvement, the reform agenda sets a precedent for continuous advancement and community involvement in shaping Bermuda’s educational landscape.