Under the national theme “Transforming Education for Improved Student Outcomes: Innovative Approaches to Curriculum Management, Leadership and Accountability,” the Jamaica Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information successfully staged its annual Back-to-School Conferences across Regions 2, 6 and 7 from July 14 to 16, 2025.
Hundreds of school leaders, including principals, vice principals and senior educators, gathered for the three-day conferences, which featured high-impact, interactive sessions designed to strengthen leadership capacity, deepen curriculum understanding, and improve accountability systems ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year. Hundreds of educators also participated in the professional learning sessions, which included capacity-building workshops, strategic planning exercises and panel discussions with Ministry leaders.
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, addressed the sessions with a direct and passionate appeal to school leaders to collectively address the literacy gap at its root.
“One of the most painful things for me is to see, especially a young man in high school who cannot read,” said Dr. Morris Dixon. “It affects how they see themselves, and it impacts their ability to thrive. We must ensure that no child leaves primary school without being able to read. That’s the level of urgency we need in our classrooms and in our national policy.”
Minister Morris Dixon emphasized the need for strengthened early childhood and primary education, noting that challenges in literacy begin in the earliest grades and often persist unless deliberately addressed.
“The emphasis on reading from grade one to grade three is critical if we’re going to stem the flow of underachievement across the system. Our high schools should not be receiving students who cannot read or write,” she stated.
Participants engaged directly with the Minister in open dialogue sessions, where their concerns, questions and innovative suggestions were welcomed and documented. The conferences also underscored the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration, with Dr. Morris Dixon encouraging educators to partner actively with the Ministry in shaping policy and practice.
“Work with us. Share what works in your schools. We are building a system that learns from its own people — because our children deserve the best solutions we can offer,” the Minister urged.
In addition to professional development sessions, each region hosted awards and recognition ceremonies to celebrate the exceptional performance of schools, educators and students during the 2024–2025 academic year. The awards highlighted achievements in literacy and numeracy improvement, leadership in school transformation, innovation in teaching and learning, and outstanding community engagement.
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the education system through inclusive dialogue, strategic leadership, and data-driven interventions. The regional Back-to-School Conferences represent a critical step in preparing schools to deliver on this mission.
