Education was given little prominence in the Throne Speech on Friday when Sir Governor John Vereker reconvened Parliament.

There were no surprises about plans for the public education system, or anything controversial, with each of the issues having been voiced previously.

However, as promised, both students and parents are to be given greater guidance on their roles in education to ensure everyone is accountable and responsible when it comes to child learning.

Sir John said action plans from the Bermuda Education Strategic Team (BEST) were being formulated with a completion date set for later this year, which will result in a number of policy initiatives to improve Bermuda?s Government schools.

And he said the Education Act 1996 would be amended to create school boards for families of schools, such as connected middle and primary schools, in order to facilitate effective site-based management and governance of maintained schools.

However, there was no mention of Government?s plans to open a school for the performing arts, as mentioned by Education and Development Minister Paula Cox just prior to the General Election, and no mention of the teacher licensing scheme that has been in the offing for some time.

He said: ?The Government will also introduce School Support Rules that will define the expectations for both students and parents within the public school system.

?These rules will be aligned with Parents? Rights and Responsibilities contained in the existing Code of Conduct.?

He said a programme stressing the importance of Character Education was also being piloted in three primary schools. If it is successful in teaching children about being good productive citizens, it may well be adopted across the board.

A math literacy project has also been launched at the primary level to strengthen math skills of young people, he said, and, at Bermuda College, the National Training Board has concluded its work on the design and development of an Associate of Applied Technology Degree, which will be ready for implementation later this year.

?It will fall to our administrators, teachers and support staff to implement these programmes and to ensure the success of our public school system,? said Sir John. ?In recognition of that fact, we pause to salute these dedicated professionals. Although it is their time and effort that makes education a successful pursuit for our young people, it is parents who should have the single most important role in ensuring that children have the opportunity to meet their fullest potential.?