GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana is set to introduce literacy assessments at the Grade Two and Grade Four levels this year, as part of a broader push to improve reading outcomes among students.
Sonia ParagEducation Minister Sonia Parag made the announcement at a meeting of Caribbean education ministers in Jamaica on Wednesday, noting that the goal is to ensure children are fully literate by the time they leave primary school.
The initiative comes amid regional concerns about declining literacy levels, with Parag acknowledging that the Caribbean is producing “functionally illiterate” students. To support the effort, the government also plans to establish literacy tents in communities, encouraging parents to play a more active role in their children’s academic development.
A numeracy assessment is also slated for rollout next year.
Addressing the 2026 CXC Ministerial Forum and Regional Education Conference, Parag also called for the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence in classrooms.
She stressed the need for clear regional frameworks to guide its use, focusing on ethics, data protection, academic integrity and student safety, while still encouraging innovation.
Conference Chair Nicole Manning said discussions underscored the importance of fair and authentic assessment, greater investment in teachers and digital infrastructure, and stronger regional collaboration.
Meanwhile, CXC Chairman Sir Hilary Beckles highlighted ongoing challenges, including limited resources and a shortage of trained teachers, while warning about the consequences of declining emphasis on history education in the region.
