The Shadow Minister of Education has called for full transparency on education reform, including a commitment to a “quarterly public scorecard”.

Ben Smith called for the scorecard so that parents, teachers and the public could see “clear progress indicators without political spin”.

He said that the future of education reform was “of serious concern” and required transparency to earn the public’s trust back.

Mr Smith, whose statement came out before it was revealed the three-tier system was remaining in place for the foreseeable future, added: “If the Government truly believes the reform is working, then transparency should not frighten them, it should strengthen them.

“If parts of the reform are not working, then the public deserves honest answers quickly enough to correct course while it still matters.

“If mistakes have been made, don't continue to add to them, because the result impacts the future for our students.”

Mr Smith, who had called for a halt on education reform to allow for a full audit, said he was initially pleased that Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education, agreed to pause reform.

He called for the Ministry of Education to publish an audit of education reform or review findings in full.

He added that, if one had not been completed, an independent audit needed to be commissioned and published.

Mr Smith further called for a school closure impact report that outlined the projected and actual cost savings, as well as transitional costs, staffing redeployment, changes to class sizes and any impact on student services.

He said the Ministry of Education should offer a report on assessments and support, that included volumes, wait times, specialist staffing levels and service delivery metrics, to help parent figure out if needs were being met.

Mr Smith said: “Reforms of this scale must be rooted in trust, measurable results, and transparency.”

He added: “A responsible education system does not rely on assumptions or political messaging.

“A responsible system should measure outcomes honestly, publish evidence transparently, correct what isn’t working and invest where it truly improves student achievement.

“If Bermuda is to regain confidence in this reform effort, these principles must guide the Government’s actions as we enter budget season.”