In consultation with school boards, the Department of Education Aruba (DEA) launched a preparation program in November 2023 for school principals and teachers of class 1 of primary education. The first information session began on November 17, 2023, where they shared information, fostered connections, and created various Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Eight PLCs were formed, each focusing on one or more specific topics within the core of the PLC.

The school principals and teachers of class 1 met on January 19, February 16, March 27, April 19, and May 31, 2024, and were collectively well-prepared for the reading and writing in Papiamento introduction in class 1 for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Each study day took place under the guidance of the DEA in collaboration with the Center for Continuous Professional Development (CDPC) of the Pedagogical Institute of Aruba (IPA).

Each meeting began with a general session where general information was shared with the attendees, followed by informative workshops for the class 1 teachers. They concluded the day working on the PLC topic. School principals participated in workshops designed for them, where they received information and support to help them in their role to support and motivate the teachers and their school team.

Each PLC presented their final product to their colleagues and the school board during the last study day on May 31. In this way, the groups collectively supported each other in preparing for the new approach to language education implementation in which reading and writing in Papiamento are taught. They delved into the subject, with some groups presenting their observations, others adapting materials, and others creating new materials. In this way, the groups synchronized everything with each other.

DEA thanks all school principals, teachers, and school boards who participated in the preparations for the literacy in Papiamento introduction for the 2024-2025 school year.

For more information about education in Aruba, you can visit www.ea.aw and follow DEA on Facebook and Instagram @educationaruba.