Government was given mixed grades over their education record by Opposition Senator Neville Darrell yesterday.

He said Government had done well in reducing class sizes, raising literacy levels and with the Terra Nova results.

But he said it must do better on working with stakeholders. He said teachers have been unhappy, marched on Parliament and had sit-ins at CedarBridge over a number of issues.

He said teachers had demanded a code of conduct, a board of inquiry into education, consultation on the plan to end in-school suspensions and action about violence in the workplace.

"Teachers are a key component of delivering a quality education system, but it would appear they have been left out of the equation - or they have that perception."

He said Government was only worth a 'C' or 'D' grade on product delivery.

"This country deserves better, I believe the teachers of this country deserve better," said Sen. Darrell.

He said it was gratifying that a code of conduct was being produced and that Government considered education was a national priority but he said: "If we are not careful the world could leave us behind. We have such a limited period of time."

Senate Leader Col. David Burch said Government had not got everything right in education but had made a good start and it was too early to judge whether it had fulfilled its campaign promises because the five-year term wasn't over yet.

He said Education Minister Paula Cox had a proven track record of consulting key stakeholders in her previous role at Home Affairs and he was confident she would continue that in her new role.

Reduction in class sizes had made a significant difference at the P1, 2, and 3 level said Sen. Burch.

He added the Education budget had increased by 2.3 percent and that the department gets the second highest level of spending in the budget behind health and family services as Government tried to make Bermuda's education system the best in the world but parents needed to get involved in schools.

United Bermuda Party Senator Leonard Santucci questioned when the new Berkeley school would be finished.

Government Senator Victoria Pearman said September 2003 was the scheduled completion date but she said she would have to consult with Works and Engineering.

Sen. Santucci also questioned why the school boards for Clearwater, Dellwood and Spice Valley Middle schools had never been appointed under the current Government.

Education Minister Paula Cox, who was in the Senate chamber to hear the debate, told The Royal Gazette that Government planned to give principals greater autonomy and the role of the boards would have to be reviewed in conjunction with that.

Sen. Santucci wondered whether the licensing and certification of teachers would be handled by an independent body.

He said: "Every now and again there is concern with people checking, regulating and certifying themselves and determining their own standards."

He said Government should get back to the old standards of discipline and he recalled being caned by current Chief Education Officer Dr. Joseph Christopher who was then his teacher.

Sen. Santucci also said Government was not doing enough with staff development.