Strengthening students' maths skills, the introduction of external certifications and implementing a national Code of Conduct were among several initiatives in the educational strategic plan unveiled at Whitney Institute Middle School last night.

The plan is the result of a cross-section of stakeholders in the public education system, including students, teachers and parents who met over the summer to discuss challenges that the system was facing and possible resolutions

As she presented the Ministry of Education's plans to a sparse crowd, which included Minister Paula Cox and Permanent Secretary Michelle Khaldun, senior education officer Maxine Esdaile told parents: "The mission of the Bermuda public school system is to be the first choice in education by providing rigorous and stimulating learning experiences in safe, responsive environments."

While she said the public school system was doing well, Ms Esdaile acknowledged that steps had to be made to work on improving it, much to the joy of one parent who said she was not pleased with some of its facets.

"I want to know why my child is not allowed to bring a text book home for review?" she asked.

"We want our children to learn with tools, and a text book is a tool.

"To me that's very important," she said as she emphasised her dislike of the use of photocopied notes.

But Mrs. Melody Lightbourne, whose daughter also attends the school, had a more optimistic outlook.

"Sometimes we put emphasis on what we don't have, but let's find something that works," she said.

Promising more in-depth details as the initiatives are introduced to the schools, Ms Esdaile spoke optimistically about the future, and stressed the Ministry's ongoing efforts to address literacy skills, especially at the primary school level.

"Development of reading skills was the focus during the first year," she said.

"That concern will continue during the second year but greater emphasis will be given to the development of writing skills."

Recognising that overall, the Island's middle school students were not performing as well as their American counterparts, the Ministry pledged to do its best to bring them up to par, particularly with maths.

"Middle schools have focused on improving mathematics education. We intend to continue with further training during the school year as well as broadening the training to other subjects," Ms Esdaile said.

And while concerns such as homework policies and adhering to the Code of Conduct were raised, Ms Esdaile implored parents to do their part to ensure that the strategic plan worked.

"I know there are more goods going on in the system than bad, but we want parents to help shine that light."