Education board chairman Darren Johnston is asking for public feedback on Government's five-year plan to improve the public school system.

The document, 'Blueprint for Reform in Education', was released on Friday.

In it, Mr. Johnston wrote: "It will be easy to read this document and find alternative ways, things you don't fully agree with, things you would like to see in addition.

"Look at this document and say 'How can I help? How can I contribute?' Our teachers, principals, and education officers have a significant job to do. I believe they can and will do it. You must believe the same."

The strategic plan puts seven recommendations from the 2007 Hopkins Report into play.

Said Education Commissioner Wendy McDonell: "We are putting children first and making research-based decisions in the interest of students so that we can bring about a culture of achievement and a climate of execution. The plan includes input from within and outside the educational community.

"It represents the diverse thinking of our community and stakeholder groups who want our students to succeed and be productive in Bermudian society now and in the future."

She continued: "The Department of Education staff, school leaders, and teachers have focused on what specific student outcomes they want students to achieve over the next five years. They also have identified what actions we will take to implement the first three identified strategic priorities — curriculum, improving teaching and learning and leadership."

Teachers will be held accountable for student outcomes, Mrs. McDonell said.

"We know that in order to be successful we must improve instruction in the classroom. It is the quality of teaching that matters. For this reason, we have invested our efforts to ensure that our teachers are trained and highly competent and offer rigorous instruction to all students.

"By working with the school leaders, teachers, and parents in a supportive way we will ensure that we meet our targeted student outcomes."