In 2024, the OECS Commission undertook research related to the development of Thematic/Analytical Reports in Education, specifically in assessing student performance at CSEC examinations between 2019-2023. This type of research has been long outstanding, was led by Dr. Patricia George-Benfield. The study itself was commissioned by the Council of Ministers: Education. Education leaders in the region have for a long time highlighted the poor performance in the compulsory CSEC subjects of English A and especially Mathematics. 2019-2023 spans the COVID-19 period, and the pandemic was expected to have a disruptive impact on student performance. The study looked at series test scores over the period, relevant literature, and took into consideration feedback from regional education stakeholders. The following are some of the key findings from the final report:
There was a significant learning loss due to school closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Table Showing Number of Weeks of School Closures in the OECS between February 2020 to February 2022