Improved Student Performance in Reading & Mathematics

The New Horizons for Primary Schools (NHP) is a seven-year, joint initiative of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Jamaica (GOJ). The project is assisting the Jamaican Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture (MOEY&C) in increasing levels of literacy and numeracy of students in 72 selected primary schools throughout Jamaica. It is scheduled for completion in 2005.

Download NHP Brochure for more information or review the 2004 Year in Review Presentation (requires adobe acrobat).

The Project

Juárez and Associates has been contracted by USAID on behalf of the MOEY&C to provide assistance in project implementation using on-site professional/technical staff, international consultants, and Jamaican education experts. Our goal is to strengthen the ability of schools and parents to improve student performance in reading and mathematics, so that future generations of Jamaicans will succeed in the 21st century.

The NHP employs a holistic, student-centered approach to improvement of instruction and learning in mathematics and reading. The project initially included 10 interrelated interventions designed to work in concert to serve the needs of Jamaican children. These interventions are:

• Developing innovative mathematics and literacy programs
• Providing in-service teacher training in reading and mathematics
• Providing governance and leadership training for schools, communities and parents
• Offering parent education and training
• Facilitating selective nutritional programs
• Providing reading and mathematics materials
• Establishing computer use in schools and training teachers in educational technology
• Training resource teachers
• Integrating databases using Management Information Systems
• Improved school management through Education Management Information Systems

In the final two years of the project, emphasis is being placed on the infusion of technology in the teaching-learning process.

Please view the Educational Technology Intervention overview presentation for more information on NHP EdTech (requires adobe acrobat).

The cornerstone of this holistic approach provides for the empowerment of schools and communities through participation at the local level.

The NHP strives to improve opportunities for children by bringing learning to life through the use of context-specific instructional approaches and materials.

Site-based management is designed to transfer decision-making power to local schools and communities where the appropriate persons — those most directly involved with the education of children — are participating constructively in the major decisions that affect Jamaican schools.

Access to effective educational systems and the resulting democratization and participation can be reached only if assisted development is coupled with recognition and respect for local knowledge and traditions.

Outcomes

• Marked improvement in reading and numeracy performance among primary school students
• Utilisation of innovative curriculum and instructional materials
• Classroom and resource teachers trained in the latest instructional approaches for reading and mathematics
• Modernized school management with technological supports systems
• Exposure of teachers, students and communities to computer and communication technologies
• Increased health of Jamaican primary students
• Empowerment of school boards and parent/teacher organizations
• Greater professionalism of teachers
• Increased academic promotion
• Increased community and private sector involvement in support of schools
• Contribution to national development.

Partnership

The NHP involves not only partnership among USAID, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture (MOEYC), National Council on Education (NCE), Juarez & Associates (J&A), but also close collaboration among the donor/lender community, non-governmental organizations and other private and public sector entities. Close consideration will be given to related activities of other national and international organizations, building on achievements in the education sector.

Juárez and Associates, Inc.

121 National Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tel: (310) 478-0826
Fax: (310) 479-1863
Web: www.juarezassociates.com

Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture
(Project Implementation Unit)

Grant Hall, Caenwood Complex
37 Arnold Road
Kingston 4, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 967-5192
email: nhorizons@cwjamaica.com

Personnel

Mrs. Jean Beaumont– Project Director
Dr. Samuel Myers – Literacy Specialist
Mrs. Laurel Brent-Harris – Literacy Specialist
Mr. David Morgan – Mathematics Specialist
Ms. Beatrice Wilson – Mathematics Specialist
Dr. Melody Williams – Educational Technology Specialist
Mrs. Pat Thompson – Health and Nutrition Consultant
Ms. Bernice Fearon – Training Coordinator
Mrs. Kareen Edwards-Brown – Program Implementation Officer, NCE
Mrs. Leodis Douglas – Administrator
Mrs. Valda Brown – Executive Secretary
Ms. Oniece Grant – Accountant
Ms. Nika Duncan – EMIS Coordinator
Ms. Simone Bullock – Technical Logistics Support Assistant
Mr. Carl Smith – Project Driver
Mr. Roy Gordon – Project Driver
Ms. Maxine Campbell – Office Assistant
Mr. Mark Bellinger - Peace Corps Volunteer
Mr. Ian Gottesman - Peace Corps Volunteer

The New Horizons Family

Seated: Jean Beaumont

1st row l-r: Simone Bullock, Valda Brown, Leodis Douglas, Roy Gordon, Ian Gottesman

2nd Row l-r: Maxine Campbell, Nika Duncan, Jacinth Gordon, Beth Vaughan

3rd Row l-r: Mark Bellinger, Oniece Grant, David Morgan, Patricia Thompson, Carl Smith, Beatrice Wilson, Laurel Brent-Harris, Doreen Faulkner

Not Pictured: Sam Myers, Melody Williams and Kareen Edwards-Brown

Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture

Mrs. Jacinth Gordon, Director of Projects
National Heroes Circle, Kingston 4, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 922-1400-9

USAID/Jamaica

Mrs. Claire Spence, Development Program Specialist
2 Haining Road
Kingston 5, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 926-3645

GOJ/USAID