The Ministry of Education is launching a new concept targeted at increasing community involvement in the design and development of the restructured high school curriculum.

In cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, over 200 parents, children and leaders of civic, business and Governmental organisations have been asked to serve as curriculum advisors between now and the opening of the restructured middle school in 1997.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said the group will form 15 committees and will be asked to study key issues related to the curriculum in their area and provide advice to appropriate Department of Education personnel.

The spokesperson added that the proposed curricular changes will foster the development of the newly approved 12 `Goals for Education', which include the promotion of students' academic, citizenship and personal developments.

The 12 steps are: 1: Responsiveness to dynamic process of learning.

2: Resourcefulness, adaptability and creativity in learning and living.

3: Acquisition of the basic knowledge and skills needed to comprehend and express ideas through words, numbers and symbols.

4: Acquisition of skills that contribute to self reliance in solving practical problems in everyday life.

5: Acquisition of skills and attitudes that will lead to satisfaction and productivity in a career.

6: Development of an understanding of the role of the individual within a family unit, the role of the family within society and the role of our society in a global context.

7: Development of a sense of personal responsibility in a society at the national and international levels.

8: Development of a `wellness' approach to life.

9: Gains in satisfaction from participating in and appreciating the various forms of artistic expression.

10: Development of a feeling of self-worth.

11: Development of values related personal and ethical beliefs and to the common welfare of society.

12: Development of respect for the environment and a commitment to the wise use of resources.

The Ministry spokesperson added: "The initial advisory committee activity will focus on finalising the overall curricular framework for each subject, including that subject's philosophy, learner outcomes, goals and subgoals and programme scope and sequence.'' During the Spring and Fall of 1995, the spokesperson added that these community advisory committees will be asked to validate the proposed middle school curriculum, and in subsequent years they will also review and provide input into the development of senior school, primary and pre-school curricula.

"It is imperative that all curriculum design efforts serve the needs of both our students and our community.

"Over the next three years each subject area advisory committee will provide feedback to the curriculum writers on proposed changes in the instructional programme.

"It is anticipated that the development of these community advisory committees for each subject will assist in truly `Bermudanising' the curriculum.'' The initial meeting of these advisory committees will be held on Wednesday October 26 at 7.30 p.m. in the Auditorium of Warwick Secondary School.

During the meeting the Minister of Education the Hon. Clarence Terceira and senior education officer for curriculum, instruction and evaluation, Dr.

Joseph Christopher will orientate these community advisors to their new role.

And in turn each of these curriculum advisory committees will then meet in separate subject area meetings and review a draft copy of the proposed curricular framework.