KINGSTON, Jamaica – On Thursday, 10 March 2022, the Caribbean Examinations Council
(CXC®) hosted the Annual Conference of National Committees as part of its drive to
revitalise National Committees in participating countries and to further CXC’s mandate to
utilise a more inclusive decision-making framework. National Committees are an organised
group of in-country stakeholders comprising government, teachers’ unions, professional
education bodies, employers, parents, students, universities, and teacher training
institutions which are central to the governance system of CXC®. They contribute to CXC’s
planning, decision-making, feedback and continuous improvement.
The event, which was organised by the Office of the Pro-Registrar at the Western Zone
Office in Jamaica, had two sessions. The first session entailed a meeting of the Chairpersons
of the National Committees from each country, where discussions were held around the
functionality of the National Committees and the creation of a framework for engagement.
The second session, which was held under the theme New Methods of Competence-Based
Credentialing in Secondary Education, entailed a professional development opportunity for
members of National Committees across the region. This session was moderated by Dr
Barbara Reynolds, International Consultant and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the
University of Guyana. Dr Eduardo Ali, Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO, CXC® presented on the
topic The CXC® Focus on Competence-based Credentialing Using Micro-Awards. In his
presentation, Dr Ali reflected on CXC’s major strategic initiatives. He indicated that CXC’s
repositioning as a regional enterprise supported its capacity to lead educational
transformation, redesign creative innovative products and strengthen corporate
governance. He also presented on flexible learning models to include prior learning
assessment, recognition systems and equivalency and articulation processes. Dr Ali
highlighted CXC’s conceptual plans for macro- and micro-credentialling, micro-credential
courses for the professionalisation of teachers through the CXC® Professional Learning
Institute and the introduction of new qualifications and micro-awards which will promote
educational access, enhance quality and increase lifelong learning options of citizens across
the region.
The second presentation by Dr Debra Ferdinand-James, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator,
MA Leadership in TVET and Workforce Development, University of the West Indies, Mona,
focused on Competency-based Digital Assessment Practices in Secondary Education. Dr
Ferdinand-James’ presentation highlighted the incorporation of digital technology in the
education system with examples of how it was utilised as an emergency response to
facilitating teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic and assessment practices and case
studies for digital learning. She also focused on the emergence of a new digital economy in
Industry 4.0 and 5.0.
The event was well-attended by members of CXC’s governing council, National Committee
Chairpersons and members, as well as representatives from the CARICOM Secretariat,
UNESCO, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission (OECS), Ministry of
Education officials from across the region, teachers, principals, and representatives from
regional tertiary-level institutions.
As CXC® continues to transform for greater regional impact, it will increase its collaboration
with stakeholders for the development of the region’s educational system.
