Jamaican education authorities have implemented significant modifications to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) assessment system in response to the extensive learning disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. The revised framework, which has garnered widespread support from school administrators, aims to create more equitable testing conditions for students across the island.
Karlene Bisnott-Hemmings, Principal of Vaz Preparatory School, emphasized that the adjustments acknowledge the substantial instructional time lost by students in western parishes, where many communities remain without reliable electricity. Unlike previous disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the hurricane’s aftermath presents unique challenges as students lack basic infrastructure necessary for digital learning alternatives.
The restructured assessment approach eliminates science and social studies from external evaluations this academic year. Grade six students will now complete only three assessments: an Ability Test, Mathematics Curriculum-Based Test with numeracy components, and Language Arts Curriculum-Based Test with literacy elements. Similarly, grade five students will undertake just two performance tasks in mathematics and language arts, while grade four pupils will sit literacy and numeracy examinations.
Education professionals have praised these modifications as both pragmatic and necessary. Principal Bisnott-Hemmings noted that the reduced subject load makes academic preparation more manageable within the compressed timeline leading to April examinations. However, she highlighted that persistent electricity shortages continue to disadvantage western parish students, potentially requiring creative solutions such as extended on-campus study sessions.
Alia Harris, Vice-Principal of McAuley Primary School, characterized the changes as responsive to longstanding educator advocacy. She emphasized that the streamlined assessment approach recognizes the developmental stage of primary students while maintaining academic integrity during recovery efforts. The consensus among educational institutions indicates broad approval for measures that balance accountability with compassion during this challenging period.