A five-year plan to improve the Island's public schools was released by the Ministry of Education this afternoon.

The 'Blueprint for Reform in Education' lists seven "strategic priorities" for developing students in the coming years.

The plan is based on the 2007 Hopkins Review. It stated that Bermuda's students were not being offered a satisfactory education.

"Since the review of public education we have not stood still," Education Minister El James states in the blueprint released today.

"Important legislative and administrative changes have been made, and our schools are taking the initiative in driving forward on improving teaching and learning. We have made progress, and we are addressing the challenges facing our education system. The time is now right to set out our detailed priorities and actions in this blueprint which will deliver genuine transformation."

The seven priorities identified are as follows:

* Implement an internationally recognised curriculum that is externally assessed;

* Improve the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom;

* Strengthen and distribute leadership;

* Facilitate the improvement of standards via accountability and transparency;

* Maximise the contribution of parents and community;

* Improve the efficiency of delivery;

* Improve the culture and climate of the Department of Education and schools.

The blueprint is available in full at www.gov.bm and www.moed.bm.

Department of Education is to hold a series of meetings to present the blueprint and receive public feedback, in the coming weeks.

For the full story read tomorrow's Royal Gazette.