The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) announced this week a regional decline in overall pass rates for both the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).
Dr. Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO of CXC, reflected on this worrying trend during the release of the preliminary results during an official ceremony in Dominica.
Wesley highlighted a particular concern with English and Mathematics performance.
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He said that over the past 5 years, performance in these subjects has taken a worrying trend. The CXC is urging greater attention to mathematics and English education across the Caribbean region to reverse this concerning trend.
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The CXC chief noted that since 2018, approximately 11,500 students annually have been unable to fully matriculate into university due to failing math and English requirements.
Wesley warned that the ongoing decline in math and English performance could negatively impact the Caribbean’s economic competitiveness.
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To address these challenges, CXC is developing initiatives to improve teaching and learning in mathematics and English. Wesley mentioned that a team has been commissioned to develop standards for literacy and numeracy, incorporating Artificial Intelligence to enhance educational outcomes.