9552596 Davis The Virgin Islands (VI) Department of Education proposes to formalize and extend initial reform planning activities begun under the Governor's Initiative on Science & Technology, which resulted in a variety of programmatic initiatives focused on curriculum, teachers, technology and lab equipment. There is ample evidence of the need for comprehensive reform of k-12 education in VI: (1) there is only one university, and 80% of the students are admitted with deficiencies in mathematics and science; (2) "virtually all standard instruments used to measure student achievement in VI indicate that the students are performing poorly." Compounding the problem, 43% of the 22,000 K-12 students live in poverty; 70% are eligible to receive a free lunch, and 1/3 live in single parent homes. A one-year self-study grant is proposed. Expected outcomes include a full implementation proposal for systemic reform. The goal of the VI Systemic Initiative will be to improve the educational system while developing local science and technology talent to insure the economic survival of the islands. This includes the development of the teacher and administrative workforce and students; revision of education policies (curriculum; certification); the creation of a student assessment program, a communications system and precollege programs. ***
