Education Director: Language Barrier Not A Concern At This Time

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Amid reports from public school teachers of an uptick in students not understanding english, Education Director Domonique McCartney-Russell says at this point, the matter is not a concern for the ministry, adding that the ministry is probing the allegation.

Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson told the Tribune newspaper that the language barrier is now a disruption in learning, behaviour, and basic classroom readiness across multiple campuses in The Bahamas.

But the education director is saying something different.

Wilson also said schools are enrolling a large number of english-speaking newcomers, most of them speak creole, many of whom did not attend preschool and arrive without key foundations.

The B.U.T. President reiterated that the Education Act says that all students of compulsory age must be educated, that means no child can be turned away based on their ability to speak the english language.

However, she presented this solution to situations like this.

But the education director insists the issue shouldn’t be over-stated.