The Shadow Minister of Education & Training has expressed her “grave concern” at the current state of Bermuda’s schools.

In a joint statement from the Progressive Labour Party and the Bermuda Union of Teachers, Lovitta Foggo said that the School Reorganisation Advisory (Score) Committee’s comprehensive report painted a damning picture of the Island’s shortcomings.

“I question whether the One Bermuda Alliance government, who can ill afford to cherry pick or use a Band-Aid approach in response to Score’s findings, is seriously committed to the advancement of our educational system,” she said.

“If we are to adequately prepare our students for tomorrow, then we must be willing to ensure that best practices recommended for a 21st century education system are implemented.”

As well as advocating smaller class sizes and making improvements to the physical condition of schools, Ms Foggo said that schools must embrace technology or see their students suffer the consequences.

“Employing 30-year-old strategies in today’s environment will not cut the mustard,” she said. “It will not prepare our children to be key players in the 21st century.

“Times have changed. Technology has greatly impacted instructional methods and the learning environment. Consequently, teaching techniques have to be modified to meet the learning styles and needs of our modern-day students.”

Ms Foggo urged Wayne Scott, the Minister of Education, not to close schools as a “quick fix” solution.

“I ask that he seriously commit proper resources to render our schools to a state needed for optimal learning,” she added.

“We must have the appropriate infrastructure and resources so that our children can excel in class.

“Our youth are a gem that we must invest in, and their futures deserve nothing less than 100 per cent of our combined commitment.”