BY EDDIE OSIFELO
THE Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) recently concluded a four-day inquiry into the Education Bill in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).
Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee, John Maneniaru, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during the inquiry.
He underscored the bill’s importance and applauded the dedicated efforts of the MERD and legal experts who contributed to its drafting.
To ensure a comprehensive assessment of the Education Bill 2023, the BLC is extending its invitation to various stakeholders. Education Providers, School Boards, the HCC Education Authority, Principals, Head Teachers, Teachers, Students, Communities, and Families are encouraged to share their insights, knowledge, and experiences regarding this legislation.
They are expected to appear before the BLC this week.
The Education Bill 2023 is designed to modernize and streamline the administration and regulation of Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary education. It includes provisions for the registration of teachers, education providers, schools, and Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers, effectively replacing the existing Education Act.
The development of the bill reflects an extensive consultation process involving numerous stakeholders, including the National Education Board, the Teaching Service Commission, Ministry of Public Service, Provincial Government Ministers and Secretaries, Chief Education Officers, and Provincial Education Officers. The resulting draft bill is a product of these consultations and comprehensive analysis.
The proposed education reform has garnered widespread support, with the draft bill submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers in 2020. Subsequently, the Ministry has been diligently working on a range of supporting documents, such as regulations, the Education Funding Code, Administrative Instructions, Learning frameworks, and more, to facilitate the smooth implementation of the Act.
The new education framework emphasizes principles such as access, equity, accountability, equality of opportunity, partnerships, quality, and relevance.
The Bill grants greater autonomy to education providers and ECE centers to enhance their management capabilities.
Teacher management is significantly improved, with specific provisions for teacher registration and oversight by the Teaching Services Commission.
The legislation promotes a province-by-province approach to education, fostering collaboration among education providers within each province.
A comprehensive registration scheme is expanded to cover Education Providers, schools, ECE centers, and teachers.
Administrative Instructions will establish standards on various critical aspects, including child protection, gender equality, social inclusion, assessment, reporting, and other educational requirements.
The Bill introduces compulsory basic education and places a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability in government funding allocation to the education sector.
The Education Bill 2023 represents a substantial overhaul of the education system in the Solomon Islands, aimed at bringing it in line with modern standards while prioritizing fairness, transparency, and educational quality.
