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FACTS ABOUT HONDURAS’ PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Honduras is undertaking major education reform initiatives, and Roatan is part of this reform:
1) Over 2,000 pre-schools have been opened in Honduras the last 2 years.
2) New standards for Spanish and mathematics are completed for grades 1 -9.
3) Teachers are being trained in how to teach the new standards.
4) Management of schools is being decentralized
5) Community and family involvement is encouraged.
FACTS ABOUT OUR BAY ISLANDS’ SCHOOLS
(Roatan, Utila, Guanaja, and Cayos Cochinos)
GRADE STRUCTURE OF THE BAY ISLANDS
# OF SCHOOLS # OF STUDENTS
Pre-Schools 26 1,327
1st – 6th 29 4,411
1st – 9th 6 3,353
Colegio (Middle School) (1) 3 1,762
Career (2) 4 178
TOTALS 68 11,031
(1) Colegio (middle school) coursework includes math, sciences, history, and Spanish.
(2) Career schools (similar to Vocational & Technical Schools) prepare students for careers in business, tourism, accounting, and other career options.
STRENGTHS OF THE ROATAN SCHOOLS
Some have strong community support, low drop out rates, and higher achieving students.
Although schools are in most large neighborhoods, parents may send their children to any public school on the island.
Business and political leaders are encouraging education reform.
Our school “Community” has grown to include people like you from around the world.
WEAKNESSES OF THE SCHOOLS
98% of the national education budget is spent on salaries, leaving nothing for instructional materials.
Most schools do not have libraries, computer or science labs, gyms, or other specialized learning centers.
Teachers for primary (1st – 6th) grades are only required to have completed 6th grade to qualify for a teaching position. They are then expected to take continuing education courses annually.
Average class size is 45 children.
Only 1/3 of all school-aged children actually attend school
Drop out rate is estimated at 60%.