Benchmarking the Trinidad and Tobago Education System Using International Performance and Contextual Data

• In Event: 32.053 - Assessment, Climate, and Sucess Measures in the Caribbean

Abstract

This study outlines a comprehensive benchmarking strategy used for comparing policies, processes and strategies across national borders. Comparative benchmarking can empower nation states in the global South to review education systems, discover hidden sources of inequity, and establish comparative benchmarks for system reform. The utility of the benchmarking system is illustrated for the student assessment system. Both competitive and process/functional benchmarking were used to identify targets. The balanced assessment systems of high performing countries paid significant attention to classroom formative assessment even when examinations were central. This compares with the binding historical legacy of public examinations in the Anglophone Caribbean.

Authors

• Jerome De Lisle, University of the West Indies

• Rinnelle Lee-Piggott, University of the West Indies

• Peter Smith

• Rhoda Misty Mohammed, Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education

• Ria Collingwood-Boafo

• Shalini Maharaj, Ministry of Education - Trinidad and Tobago

• Lisa Henry-David, Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education

• Antonia Wall, Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education

• Hannah Gabrielle Katwaroo, Ministry of Education- Trinidad and Tobago