Whose Truth Is It: Analysis of Factors Influencing Curriculum Outcomes in the Caribbean

• In Event: 61.068 - MTCC Roundtable Session 23
  In Roundtable Session: 61.068-4 - Large-Scale Assessments in the Caribbean: Their Outcomes, Promises, and Challenges

Abstract

Using analysis of performance results and focus group data this study sought to examine the factors that influence outcomes for students from the delivery of Jamaica’s nationally agreed curricula at the primary and secondary level. Analysis of performance results was combined with focus group interviews conducted with parents and principals. The findings showed that examination results although the marker of school efficiency and the basis of accountability, was only one aspect of the outcomes from the delivery of the curriculum. Factors that influenced the delivery of the curriculum such as the school contexts, the social and economic circumstances of students, parental involvement and teacher quality often were connected to exclusion from examinations and the gender-achievement gap.

Authors

• Deon Marie Edwards-Kerr, The University of the West Indies - Mona Campus

• Carmel Geneva Roofe, 'The University of the West Indies - Mona Campus