J.4_Final_Version_Ed._Reform_Act.pdf

AN ACT

TO REPEAL AN ACT TO ADOPT THE EDUCATION LAW OF

A. D. 2001, APPROVED JANUARY 8, 2002 AND ALL LAWS

AMENDATORY THERETO, TO AMEND CERTAIN

PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 26 OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW,

AND TO ENACT IN THEIR STEAD A NEW EDUCATION

REFORM ACT OF 2011, TITLE 10, LIBERIAN CODE OF

LAWS REVISED.

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

AN ACT TO REPEAL AN ACT TO ADOPT THE EDUCATION LAW OF A. D. 2001,

APPROVED JANUARY 8, 2002 AND ALL LAWS AMENDATORY THERETO, TO AMEND

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 26 OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW, AND TO ENACT IN

THEIR STEAD A NEW EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 2011, TITLE 10, LIBERIAN CODE

OF LAWS REVISED.

It is enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature Assembled:

Preamble

WHEREAS the Liberian Constitution, recognizing the vital role assigned individual citizens for the social, economic and political well-being of Liberia, enunciates as one of the General Principles of National

Policy of the Government of Liberia that there should be “equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens and residents to the extent of available resources” and that “emphasis should be placed on the mass education of the Liberian people and the elimination of illiteracy”; and

Whereas the Government of Liberia realizes that education facilitates poverty reduction and is essential for the development of individual citizens and national growth, and that education, especially Basic Education, equips people with the relevant skills to participate in essential economic and social activities of the nation; and

Whereas the Government of Liberia acknowledges that there is an increasing need, consistent with the constitutional directive, to ensure access to and availability of high quality educational opportunities for all citizens and residents, without prejudice; and

Whereas the Government believes that education promotes teamwork and national unity, and allows for the development of patriotism and national aspirations of the nation’s citizenry; and

Whereas the Government recognizes that education has become more relevant and important in the current technological age and the increasing complexities of the Liberian society and its interaction with the international community, all of which require a new educational philosophy; and

Whereas the Government is convinced that the dissemination of educational programs is essential to the development of the total individual and a literate society; and

Whereas the Government believes that education contributes to the development of national capacity for good governance and the development of a system that promotes equity, relevance, quality and universality of opportunities; and

Whereas the Government believes that education motivates in the learner respect and appreciation for the dignity of every human being, enables the development of appreciation for the dignity of labor, and instills in each individual the desire to attain self-reliance and self-actualization; and

Whereas the Government maintains that there is a continuous need for improvement in the management and coordination of the education system of the nation.

Now therefore, in order to meet the aspirations outlined above, a new Education Law is hereby enacted as follows:

CHAPTER I

PART I - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1.1 Enactment of a New Education Reform Act

There is hereby enacted a new Education Law, to be known and titled The Education Reform Act of 2011, and constituting Title 10 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised.

Section 1.2 Short Title and Name

This Act constitutes and shall be cited as The Education Reform Act of 2011.

Section 1.3 Repeal of the Education Law of 2001 and all Laws Amendatory Thereto.

The Education Law of 2001 and all Acts amendatory thereto are hereby repealed and in their stead shall be the Education Reform Act of 2011. Further, Chapter 26 of the Executive Law and all laws amendatory thereto, in so far as they are at variance or inconsistent with the Education Reform Act of 2011, shall be deemed amended and superseded by the new law to the full extent of the variance or inconsistency. Hence, Section 26.1 of the Executive Law and which specifically retains the existence of the Ministry of Education as an agency within the Executive Branch of Government, and to be headed by a Minister, is expressly retained.

Section 1.4 Scope and Application of the Act

1.4.1. This Act shall apply to and cover the establishment, management and supervision of all schools within the Republic of Liberia. Without any prejudice to the broadness of the scope and application of the Act, stated herein, the Act shall specifically apply to:

a) All Public schools;

b) All private schools;

c) All faith based schools;

d) All boarding schools;

e) All partners involved in the field of education;

f) All vocational institutions;

g) Teacher training colleges and institutions, except where specifically excluded by this Act.

1.4.2. Notwithstanding the application of the Act stated in sub-section 1.4.1 above, the Act shall not apply to the following institutions:

a) Universities and colleges;

b) Military Training Centers;

c) Police/Security Training Institutions.

Section 1.5 Objectives of the Act.

The Objectives of this Act are to govern and regulate the educational system and the delivery and management of that system, and shall encompass the following:

a) Ensure the provision of quality education to all citizens at every level of the educational strata;

b) Promote equal access to educational opportunities for all Liberians, without discrimination of any kind;

c) Promote and sustain public confidence in the educational system;

d) Decentralize the educational system so that it has maximum effect throughout the country;

e) Promote and protect the concept of human rights for all Liberians, both with respect to access and opportunities for quality education;

f) Reduce the high rate and level of illiteracy in the country;

g) Promote gender equity and equality throughout the educational system and opportunities for education;

h) Produce good citizens possessing the necessary skills for the reconstruction and development of the country;

i) Ensure the proper and adequate governance and management of the education sector consistent with the national education philosophy and the education development goals.

Section 1.6 Definitions

In this Act, the below terms and phrases shall have the meaning established for each in this section unless otherwise expressly indicated herein; and, unless the context otherwise requires, words and phrases used in this Act and defined in this section, or any definitions contained in other parts of this Act, shall have the meanings ascribed to them herein:

a) “Assistant Minister” refers to all of the Assistant Ministers that head the technical bureaus of the Ministry;

b) “Basic Education” refers to education from grades one through nine and includes continuing or adult education. Grades one (1) through six (6) will constitute “lower basic education” or “primary education”, while grades seven (7) though nine (9) constitute “upper basic education” or “junior secondary education”;

c) “Chairperson” refers to the head of the Education Advisory Board and the heads of school boards, the heads of School Boards of the counties, the Monrovia Consolidated School System, and Boards of private and faith based schools;

d) “Comprehensive Tuition” means and covers school fees, boarding fees (restricted to boarding schools), textbooks, two-sets of uniforms and all other fees such as laboratory, student activities, library, West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams, and sports;

e) “County Education Officer” refers to the senior education administrator in each of the counties and other consolidated school systems;

f) “Deputy Minister” refers to the Deputy Ministers of Education for Administration, Instruction and Planning;

g) “District Education Officer” refers to the senior education administrator in each of the educational districts of the counties;

h) “Early Childhood Education” (ECE) refers to children’s education from ages three to five;

i) “Faith Based” schools refers to schools that are administered by religious institutions;

j) “Full Tuition” means and covers only school fees, boarding (restricted to boarding schools), WAEC exams, and textbooks;

k) “Government” refers to the Government of Liberia;

l) “House” refers to the House of Representative of the Republic of Liberia (the lower House of the Liberian Legislature);

m) “Minister” refers to the Minister of Education;

n) “Ministry”, “Ministry of Education” or “MOE” refers to the Ministry of Education or any of its component administrative units or agencies;

o) Nine-three-four or 9-3-4 refers to the structure of the education system as defined in Chapter 4, Section 4.1 of this Act;

p) “President” refers to the President of the Republic of Liberia;

q) “Principal” refers to the senior education administrator of an elementary, junior, or senior high school;

r) “Rural” refers to an area or locale, town, village or otherwise in a non-urban area and with a population of less than 2,000;

s) “School” means an approved licensed and accredited or accreditation-eligible entity that provides education in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry. The Minister is empowered to provide such other definition to the term as the judgment of the Minister meets the standard set by the Ministry regarding a learning institution;

t) “Secondary Education” refers to education from grades ten (10) through twelve (12) and constitutes “senior secondary education”;

u) “Senate” refers to the Senate of the Republic of Liberia (the upper House of the Liberian Legislature);

v) “Special Education” refers to the education services provided for those who are highly gifted and those who are physically and mentally challenged;

w) “Superintendent” refers to the education administrator of the Monrovia Consolidated School System or to the education administrator of any other similar consolidated school systems established in other counties of the Republic;

x) “ Teacher” refers to all licensed facilitators of learning throughout the entire education system;

y) “Tuition” covers and refers to only school fees;

z) “Urban” refers to a city and or town with a population of 2,000 and above as defined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo- Information Services (LISGIS).

CHAPTER 2

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

2.1 CONTINUITY AND FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE MINISTRY

2.1.1 Continuity of the Ministry

The continuity of the Ministry, established in the Executive Branch of the Government under the

Education Law, 1956 Code of Laws, and continued under section 26.1, Chapter 26, of the

Executive Law, Title 12, Liberia Code of Law Revised (1973), and reaffirmed under the Education

Law of A. D. 2001, and charged with the supervision of the nations’ educational system and the implementation of the Education Law, is further recognized in that status.

2.1.2 Functions and Powers of the Ministry

The Ministry shall have the following functions:

a) Provide and ensure the provision of quality education to all citizens and residents without discrimination;

b) Develop and sustain an education system that allows all students to realize their talents and capabilities irrespective of gender, race, religion, social or economic status or background;

c) Reduce illiteracy by providing quality, realistic and practical education at all levels for all citizens and residents without discrimination;

d) Enhance the rights and uplifting the status of all citizens and residents in society through well designed and directed quality education programs;

e) Improve or cause to be improved the management and delivery of education efficiently with respect to process, policy, and procedures;

f) Coordinate the education programs administered by the Government, the private sector and faith based educational institutions to ensure uniformity and affordable access and opportunities to education;

g) Facilitate and ensure accountability in the education sector, in line with recognized and Government- approved management and administrative practices and procedures;

h) Promote, accentuate and implement Government’s interventions and policies in the education sector either as an enabler, provider and or manager;

i) Develop and implement, in coordination with the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other relevant Government agencies, a local language and cultural policy and program to be pursued in the schools and to form part of the education curriculum;

j) Develop and implement uniform academic and administrative standards in the education sector throughout the nation;

k) Establish and enforce a minimum level of learning requirement for each level of the education system below that of the universities/higher education;

l) Develop and implement, in coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, a well-defined sports and athletics program in all schools to develop in the nation’s students a sound mind and a healthy body;

m) Develop and facilitate the advancement of level-specific curricula, and guidelines for textbooks development and/or acquisition and distribution;

n) Develop and facilitate the expansion of an appropriate and level-specific teacher training curriculum, including guidelines, processes, standards and institutional arrangements;

o) Develop and implement the nation’s public scholarship programs based on pre-determined national manpower needs, identified in consultation and collaboration with the relevant agencies of the Government;

p) Develop the appropriate guidelines for sustainable manpower development through a scholarship program focused on the development of the skills, technical and scientific knowledge required for development and progress in a complex global environment;

q) Develop prototype designs of school furniture and the construction of public school buildings at all levels of the education system;

r) Develop and construct public libraries and public school libraries and sports arenas for greater learning and extracurricular activities; and

s) Certify, license, and accredit teachers.

2.2 ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE MINISTRY

2.2.1 Appointment of the Minister

Consistent with Chapter 26 of the Executive Law, Title 12, Liberia Code of Laws Revised, the Ministry of Education shall be headed by a Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate.

2.2.2 Departmental Composition of the Ministry

a) The Ministry shall comprise three Departments, viz: the Department of Administration, the Department of Instructions and the Department of Planning, Research and Development, each of which shall be headed by a Deputy Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. In addition to the functions stipulated in this Act, the Deputy Ministers shall exercise such other functions and duties as may be assigned or delegated to them by the Minister;

b) Each Department shall be organized into bureaus, each of which bureau shall be headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate;

c) The Ministry shall, within the framework of the overall education system, have the additional co-functional institutions:

i. The National Education Advisory Board, created herein to serve as an advisory body to the Minister; and

ii. Education Centers for Excellence required to be constituted by the Minister under separate legal framework and consisting of but not limited to (1) The Center for Curriculum Development, (2) The West African Examination Council, and (3) such other centers as in the judgment of the Minister are necessary and critical to the promotion and achievement of an education system of excellence.

CHAPTER 3

PRINCIPAL OFFICES OF THE MINISTRY AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

3.1. OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

3.1.1 Minister as Head of the Ministry

The Minister shall be the head of the Ministry and, consistent with Chapter 26 of the Executive Law, Title 12, Liberian Code of Laws Revised, shall be appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate.

3.1.2 Duties and Functions of the Minister

The Minister shall:

a) Have full supervision of all public, private, and faith based Basic and Secondary Schools, and Vocational Institutions to the extent provided by this Act and permitted by the Act establishing the National Commission for Higher Education and other such Acts. The power and supervisions stipulated herein shall include, but not be limited to formulation and standardization of curriculum and education programs and policies;

b) Assess the conditions and operations of all public, private, and faith based Basic and Secondary Schools and of other educational institutions and the general state of education in Liberia, and designing and implementing measures to cure any defects revealed from the assessment;

c) Be responsible for the conceptualization, formulation, design, development, and implementation of the nation’s education guidelines, regulations, plans, policies, programs, and goals for the conduct and governance of all schools within the Republic of Liberia;

d) Serve as chairperson or ex-officio member on relevant National Advisory Boards, Commissions, or Extra-Ministerial National Councils, Tribunals, and Committees;

e) Establish and supervise a National Scholarship Program focused on the manpower needs of the country either as an enabler, provider, or supervisor;

f) Any other functions necessary for the achievement of the goals stated in this Act.

3.2 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR ADMINISTRATION

3.2.1 Reaffirmation of Existence of Department of Education for Administration

The existence and status within the Ministry of a Department for Administration, affirmed under Chapter 26 of the Executive Law, Title 12, Liberian Code of Laws Revised, and as stated in section 2.2.2(a) of this Act, is herein reaffirmed.

3.2.2 Functions of the Department of Education for Administration

The Department of Education for Administration shall be responsible for the fiscal affairs, human resources management, procurement, security, and supervision of construction, renovation, and maintenance of office facilities, expansion, maintenance of schools and student personnel services, and the general services of the Ministry.

3.2.3 Appointment of Deputy Minister for Administration

The Department of Education for Administration shall be headed by a Deputy Minister for

Administration, appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate.

3.2.4 Duties and Functions of the Deputy Minister for Administration.

The Deputy Minister for Administration shall serve as the principal deputy to the Minister, and in the absence of the Minister from Liberia, or the death, disability, resignation, removal of the Minister from office, or other act rendering the Minister unable to perform the duties and functions of the office, the Deputy Minister for Administration shall serve as Minister pending the appointment of a successor Minister. The Deputy Minister for Administration shall also have the following duties and functions:

a) Be responsible for the administrative, financial and fiscal affairs of the Ministry;

b) Handle human resources management activities of the Ministry;

c) Have supervisory responsibility for procurement, custody and distribution of supplies and equipment;

d) Ensure the security of the Ministry and manage its properties;

e) Be responsible for the Supervision of construction, renovation, maintenance and expansion of schools;

f) Have approval responsibility for student personnel services, and the general services of the Ministry;

g) Act as Minister in the absence of the Minister;

h) Perform all other tasks assigned by the Minister.

3.2.5 Technical Bureaus of the Department of Education for Administration

a) The Department of Education for Administration shall have the following Technical Bureaus:

The Bureau of Fiscal Affairs and Human Resources Development, the Bureau of General

Administration, and the Bureau of Student Personnel Services. Each Bureau shall be headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate, and shall have the functions enumerated below, subject to review and revision by the Minister with the approval of the President;

b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Minister shall have the authority to review, and with the approval of the President, revise any of such Bureaus within the Ministry to ensure the most efficient and effective delivery of educational services and activities.

3.2.6 The Bureau of Fiscal Affairs and Human Resources Development.

The Bureau of Fiscal Affairs and Human Resources Development shall be headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. The Assistant Minister for Fiscal Affairs and Human Resources Development shall act as Deputy Minister for Administration in the absence of the Deputy Minister from Liberia, or in the event of death, disability, resignation, removal of the Deputy Minister from office, or other acts rendering the Deputy Minister unable to perform the duties and functions of the office, the Assistant Minister shall served as Deputy Minister pending the appointment of a new Deputy Minister. Under the direction of the Assistant Minister, the Bureau shall be responsible to:

a) Manage the fiscal operations of the Ministry;

b) Undertake the training of personnel and staff of the Ministry;

c) Develop and strengthen the human, structural and other capacity of the Ministry;

d) Report and be responsible to the Deputy Minister for Administration;

e) Perform all other duties that may be assigned by the Deputy Minister for Administration or the Minister.

3.2.7 The Bureau of General Administration

The Bureau of General Administration shall be headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Under the direction of the Assistant Minister, the Bureau shall perform the following functions:

a) Procure materials and/or logistics for use of the Ministry and the education system, as determined by the Minister on recommendation of the Bureau through the Deputy Minister;

b) Supervise the warehouses of the Ministry;

c) Distribute consumables required for the smooth operations of the Ministry and the programs of the Ministry, including textbooks and curricula for all levels of the education system;

d) Supervise the construction, renovation and expansion of public schools, and provide such assistance of the same to private schools and other educational and learning institutions as considered necessary and affordable by the Ministry;

e) Ensure that the Ministry’s properties, including its buildings, schools and other facilities are secured, and ensure the provisions for such security as deemed necessary;

f) Provide and coordinate transportation for the Ministry and its components, including and where determined to be affordable, for students and schools for which the Government is responsible;

g) Keep record(s) of all transactions of the Ministry and institutions (including schools) responsible to, or affiliated with, or having a relationship with the Ministry;

h) Be responsible for the printing and publication of materials for the Ministry, its associates, affiliates, and schools.

3.2.8 In addition to the foregoing, which the Assistant Minister for General Administration, as head of the Bureau, shall perform and exercise in respect of the Bureau, the following duties and functions:

a) Supervise the directors within the Bureau;

b) Perform such other duties and functions as may be assigned from time to time by the

Deputy Minister for Administration or by the Minister;

c) Report and be responsible to the Deputy Minister for Administration.

3.2.9 The Bureau of Student Personnel Services.

The Bureau of Student Personnel Services shall be headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Under the direction of the Assistant Minister, the Bureau shall undertake the following duties and functions:

a) Design activities that will enhance student performance in the school system, including supervising guidance and counseling programs in the schools;

b) Ensure the teaching of technical and physical education;

c) Encourage students’ participation in sports (football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, etc.) and other extra-curricular activities at all schools;

d) Ensure the teaching of health education and make provision for ensuring access to good health and health facilities by the school community;

e) Supervise the career development of students;

3.2.10 The Bureau shall establish and administer a National Service Program that will:

a) Ensure that the national service will be a pre-requisite for full time employment;

b) Ensure that students participate in a national service program during the school vacation period immediately preceding their graduation from secondary school;

c) Ensure that students graduating from universities and colleges perform a one (1) year post graduate national service;

d) Ensure that each student completing the national service program receive a certificate of national service completion;

e) Ensure that students performing national service are not assigned to counties of their origin.

3.2.11 In addition to the functions listed above, the Assistant Minister for Student Personnel Services shall perform the following duties and functions:

a) Supervise the Directors within the Bureau;

b) Such duties and functions of office as may be assigned or directed by the Deputy Minister for Administration or by the Minister;

c) Report and be responsible to the Deputy Minister for Administration.

3.3 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR INSTRUCTIONS

3.3.1 Reaffirmation of Existence of the Department of Education for Instructions

The existence and status within the Ministry of a Department for Instructions and its Bureaus, affirmed under Chapter 26 of the Executive Law, Title 12, Liberian Code of Laws Revised, and as stated in section 2.2.2(a) of this Act, is herein reaffirmed.

3.3.2 Functions of the Department of Education for Instructions

The Department of Education for Instructions shall be responsible for the development and supervision of all instructional programs at all levels of education, including training programs in vocational and technical institutions, and shall be responsible to ensure that standards of instruction established by the Ministry are adhered to by all schools and educational institutions covered under this Act.

3.3.3 Deputy Minister of Education for Instructions: Appointment and Functions

The Department of Instructions shall be headed by a Deputy Minister for Instructions who shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate, and shall perform the following

a) Manage and supervise the development of all instructional programs at all levels of education which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry. These shall include:

i. Development and implementation of programs for Early Childhood Education;

ii. Development and implementation of programs for Basic Education;

iii. Development and implementation of programs for Secondary Education;

iv. Development and implementation of programs for Teachers Training Education;

v. Development and implementation of programs for the teaching of Liberian languages;

vi. Development and implementation of programs for the teaching of Vocational and

Technical Education and a comprehensive career development program, to be done in collaboration with the Department of Planning Research and Development of the Ministry, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

b) Collaborate with the Department of Planning, Research and Development in ensuring that the content, materials and pedagogy of the various levels of the national education system are in consonance with the policies, programs and standards of the Ministry;

c) Guide dialogue on the conceptualization, design, and development of a national education philosophy, and ensure that all curricula reflect the norms of that philosophy;

d) Have responsibility for the rational decentralization of the management and administration of the nation’s educational programs aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the education system; and

e) Provide leadership to the County’s Education Systems to ensure a coherent and comprehensive educational program that reflects uniformity in the curricula designed by the Ministry.

3.3.4 The Deputy Minister for Instruction, in carrying out and performing the foregoing functions, shall also perform such other duties and functions as directed by the Minister and shall report to the Minister.

3.3.5 Bureaus of the Department of Education for Instructions

The Department of Instructions shall have the following Technical Bureaus which, subject to any subsequent decentralization decisions and organizational arrangements, shall have the respective functions and responsibilities enumerated below:

a) The Bureau of Early Childhood;

b) The Bureau of Basic Education;

c) The Bureau of Secondary Education;

d) The Bureau of Teacher Education;

e) The Bureau of Science, Technical and Vocational Education; and

f) The Bureau of Special Education

3.3.6 The Bureau of Early Childhood Education: Appointment of Assistant Minister and Functions.

The Bureau of Early Childhood Education shall be headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Minister, the Bureau shall perform the following functions:

a) Design, develop, implement, coordinate, monitor and review all early childhood education programs, in line with national policy developed by the Ministry and endorsed by the Government, and in conformity with the Ministry’s stated objectives and priorities for such level;

b) Ensure that the early childhood education programs are in line with national policy objectives and the priorities of the Ministry of Education for such educational level;

c) Develop and maintain a professional relationship with teachers, administrators and other officials of public, private and faith based early childhood development institutions;

d) Issue permits, subject to approval of the Deputy Minister for Instruction and endorsement by the Minister, for the operation of early childhood programs in the country;

e) Ensure effective monitoring and review of content, pedagogy, access, gender equity, management and control of the early childhood program;

f) Help facilitate well-designed and managed early childhood development institutions.

3.3.7 The Assistant Minister, in the exercise of the powers associated with supervision and execution of the above enumerated functions of the Bureau, shall perform such other duties and functions as shall be assigned by the Deputy Minister for Instruction or the Minister.

3.3.8 The Assistant Minister for Early Childhood Education shall report and be responsible to the

Deputy Minister for Instruction.

3.3.9 The Bureau of Basic Education: Appointment of Assistant Minister and Functions

The Bureau of Basic Education shall be headed by and operated under the direction of an Assistant Minister appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. In seeking to attain the objectives laid out for the Bureau, it shall have the following duties and functions:

a) The design, delivery, coordination, monitoring and review of all Basic Education programs covering primary education, junior, secondary and adult education, in line with the national policy designed by the Ministry and endorsed by the Government, in harmony with the Ministry’s stated objectives and priorities for the stated levels;

b) Develop and maintain, through the office of the Assistant Minister, a professional relationship with institutions engaged in education programs supervised by the Bureau;

c) Ensure effective monitoring and review of content, pedagogy, access, gender equity, management and control of the programs of basic education in the country;

d) Issue operational permit to institutions engaged in basic education programs.

3.3.10 In furtherance of the foregoing, the Assistant Minister shall:

a) Exercise supervisory authority over the directors for Lower Basic, Upper Basic and Adult education;

b) Report and be responsible to, and perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Deputy Minister for Instruction and the Minister.

3.3.11 Basic Education, as referred to the above, includes Primary Education, Junior Secondary

Education and Adult Education, each of which, headed by a director, shall be under a Division within the Bureau of Basic Education, with each director being responsible to and report to the Assistant Minister for Basic Education.

3.3.12 Bureau of Secondary Education: Appointment of Assistant Minister and Functions.

3.3.13 The Bureau of Secondary Education, headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate, shall have the following duties and functions:

a) Develop, design and implement all secondary education programs and policies in consonance with the changing needs of the society;

b) Ensure that the educational programs meet the required skill(s) and high education quest of the society and prepare graduates to either enter the workforce with the appropriate vocational skill or trade, or for higher education in post-secondary educational institutions;

c) Initiate, design, develop and implement appropriate policies for the attainment of well-defined educational goals of the secondary education level;

d) Issue permits to institutions engage in Secondary Education programs.

3.3.14 The Assistant Minister for Secondary Education, in addition to the exercise of the powers and authority for the attainment of the above mentioned goals and objectives, shall perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the Deputy Minister for Instructions or the Minister, and shall report to and responsible to the Deputy Minister for Instruction.

3.3.15 The Bureau of Teacher Education

The Bureau of Teacher Education, which shall be headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate, shall have the following duties and functions:

a) Develop, design and execute all policies, guidelines, plans and programs for the pre and in-service training of teachers for all levels of education under the jurisdiction of the Ministry;

b) Initiate and lead activities required for the effective development and coordination of teacher education programs;

c) Initiate procedures and guidelines for ensuring information monitoring, evaluation, linkages, budget, personnel, and facilities for teacher education programs;

d) Recruit personnel for teacher training institutions and ensure that such institutions are operated smoothly and are been fully and properly accredited;

e) Ensure the provision of quality education for teachers at teacher training institutions;

f) Ensure the timely provision of selected materials to teacher training institutions;

g) Design policies for the governance of teacher training institutions, subject to the advice and approval of the Minister through the Deputy Minister for Instructions.

3.3.16 In the supervision of the foregoing functions, the Assistant Minister for Teacher Education shall also perform the following:

b) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Minister for Instructions or the Minister.

3.3.17 The Assistant Minister for Teacher Education shall report and be responsible to the Deputy

Minister for Instructions and the Minister.

3.3.18 The Bureau of Science, Technical and Vocational Education: Appointment of Assistant Minister and Functions of Bureau.

The Bureau of Science, Technical and Vocational Education shall be headed by an Assistant

Minister appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. The Bureau shall perform the following duties and functions:

a) Develop, design, implement policies and guidelines for the management, financing and supervision of the technical and Vocational education programs for Liberia, as well as and monitor the nation’s science, technical and vocational programs;

b) Ensure the development of trained science students and middle level manpower for the nation;

c) Initiate and lead the development of appropriate structural and institutional capacity and capability needed for producing adequately trained science students and well-trained middle level manpower for the nation;

d) Facilitate the development of policies and procedures as well as suitable guidelines for linkages and operations of programs in the science, technical and vocational sector.

3.3.19 In the course of and to ensure the adequate supervision of the foregoing activities, the Assistant

Minister for Science, Technical and Vocational Education shall:

b) Report to the Deputy Minister for Instructions;

c) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Minister for Instructions or the

3.3.20 Technical and Vocational Education

The Ministry shall design policies and guidelines for the establishment, managing, financing and supervision of the Technical and Vocational Education Programs for Liberia.

3.3.21 The Bureau of Special Education: Appointment of Assistant Minister and Functions of the

Bureau

The Bureau of Special Education shall be headed by an Assistant Minister who shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. The Bureau shall have responsibility for and perform the following duties and functions:

a) Develop, design and implement programs that will facilitate the accelerated education of the gifted through specifically designed programs, and, pursuant to Section 6 of the Act Establishing a National Commission on Disabilities as an Autonomous Agency, those otherwise challenged to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge at their own pace without prejudice;

b) Initiate, develop and manage special programs that allow individuals to maximize their potential for intellectual development as would enable them to contribute to national development.

3.3.22 In fulfilling the responsibilities stated above, the Assistant Minister shall:

a) Supervise the Directors in the Bureau;

b) Report to the Deputy Minister for Instruction.

3.3.23 Perform such other duties and functions as may be assigned by the Deputy Minister for

Instruction and the Minister.

3.4. THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

3.4.1 Reaffirmation of Existence of the Department of Planning, Research and Development

The existence within the Ministry the Department of Planning, Research and Development, affirmed under chapter 26 of the Executive Law, Title 12, Liberian Code of Laws Revised, and as further stated in section 2.2.2(a) of this Act, is hereby reaffirmed.

3.4.2 Appointment of Deputy Minister and Functions of Department

The Department for Planning, Research and Development, headed by a Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate, shall have the following duties and functions:

a) Design, develop, manage and coordinate policies, procedures and activities for reviewing and updating national education plans;

b) Ensure that developed plans are in consonance with the national development priorities and objectives;

c) Facilitate the development of the plan, design, and construction scheduled of all public, private and faith based education facilities, whether directly financed by the Government or the development partners;

d) Facilitate the development and implementation of a management information system that will include, but not be limited to, educational statistics, national demographics records, etc.;

e) Spearhead the development, review, revision, pilot testing and updating of the national curriculum at all levels, in coordination with the Department of Instructions;

f) Cause to be developed, either by the staff of the Department, in coordination with the Department of Instructions, or through requests appropriately advertised, for proposals for writing, printing and distribution of textbooks for the Liberian school system;

g) Assemble, analyze and report or submit adequate educational information for timely decision making;

h) Be the principal liaison,( acting through the office of the Deputy Minister), between the Ministry and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, development partners, donor community, domestic, and external institutions involved in education;

i) Be the arm of the Ministry principally responsible for the preparation of the Ministry’s annual report and budget;

j) Develop prototype designs for educational facilities for all levels of education and in that connection maintain a technical and professional staff for the promotion of its work;

k) Serve as the clearing house for education development activities.

3.4.3 In the supervision of the foregoing activities of the Bureau, the Deputy Minister shall also:

a) Have direct supervision of the Assistant Minister;

b) Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Minister;

c) Report to the Minister.

3.4.4 Bureau of Planning, Research and Development

The Bureau of Planning, Research and Development, headed by an Assistant Minister appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate, shall have and perform the following duties and functions:

a) Develop, in coordination with the Bureaus of Instructions and Administration, short, medium and long term plans to adequately address the educational needs of the nation;

b) Facilitate the development and maintenance of an appropriate communication system that guarantees internal and external data flow, as well as horizontal and vertical information exchange;

c) Facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of projects under the auspices of the Ministry.

3.4.5 In supervising the above activities, the Assistant Minister for Planning Research and

Development shall have the following duties and functions:

a) Supervise the Directors within the Bureaus;

b) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Minister for Planning Research and Development and the Minister;

c) Report to the Deputy Minister for Planning Research and Development.

3.5. THE EDUCATION CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE

3.5.1 Establishment and Institutionalization of Centers of Excellence

The Minister is hereby given authority to formally establish and institutionalize, with the approval of the President, under separate legal arrangements, and under the supervision of the Ministry the following Education Centers of Excellence under the supervision of the Ministry:

a) The Center for Curriculum Development and Research;

b) The Center for Educational Accreditation; and

c) The West African Examination Council, which currently exists.

Notwithstanding the foregoing the Minister, under the same procedure stated hereinabove, may establish such other Centers of Excellence as may be deemed necessary and appropriate. Each of such Centers named herein or subsequently established by the Minister shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Minister, with the consent and approval of the President. Each Center shall have an Advisory Board whose membership shall comprise a sub-group of the National Education Advisory Board (NEAB) or such other professional group established by the NEAB. The Directors of the Centers shall report to the

3.5.2 The Center for Curriculum Development and Research: Functions and Responsibilities.

The Center for Curriculum Development and Research shall have the following duties and

a) Develop a National Curriculum for all levels of schools and the educational strata of Liberia, from pre-primary through senior high school levels, as well as special education instructional programs;

b) Assist in the development of curricula for all teacher education programs;

c) Conduct research and assist or facilitate the conduct of research for textbook and other reading and instructional materials development;

d) Develop policies, guidelines and curriculum for the teaching of national languages, human rights, citizenship and civil responsibilities, health and hygiene, agricultural, and other educational programs in the country;

e) Develop and maintain instructional assessment programs for students within the context of the curriculum development process.

3.5.3 The current Bureau of Curriculum, Research and Textbook shall evolve into the new Center.

3.5.4 Center for Education Management

The Center for Education Management shall:

a) Develop standards for training programs;

b) Provide technical assistance in the management of the education system;

c) Make research information easily accessible to the public;

d) Mobilize resources, develop criteria and procedures for school finance, supervision, personnel management and facilitates design of a system for the delivery of educational services;

e) Develop programs and policies that will lead to the creation of a learning environment that promotes quality education

3.5.5 Center for Educational Accreditation

The Center for Educational Accreditation, established herein, shall perform the following duties and functions and have the below listed responsibilities:

a) Work with the National Councils in the spheres of higher education, technical and vocational education, school improvement, etc.;

b) Establish minimal requirements for the accreditation of institutions and the licensing of teachers to provide the quality educational services and performance outputs consistent with the standards set by the Ministry;

c) Organize short courses on staff appraisals, performance assessment and testing for teachers and students;

d) Evaluate the educational training quality of schools in various aspects and forms to ensure the enhancement teaching and learning effects and to promote quality education.

3.5.6 Notwithstanding the foregoing establishing the Bureaus and other offices of the Ministry, the

Minister shall have the authority to review, and with the approval of the President, revise any Bureau within the Ministry to ensure the most efficient and effective delivery of educational services.

3.6. OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICES OF THE MINISTRY

3.6.1 Office of the Legal Counsel: Creation and Functions of the Office and Appointment of the Legal

Counsel.

3.6.2 There is hereby created in the Ministry an Office of the Legal Counsel, headed by a licensed counselor-at-law, appointed by the Minister, whose functions shall include the following:

a) Perform all legal works required by the Ministry and its auxiliary bodies. These include providing legal opinions to the Minister, the Deputy Ministers, the Assistant Ministers, and the various Departments of the Ministry, as well as representing the Ministry in any litigation, in association with the Ministry of Justice and any lawyer engaged by the Ministry for that purpose;

b) Provide direction to the Ministry in the drafting of laws and regulations required by the Ministry, including ensuring that such laws are consistent with the Constitution of Liberia and in harmony with other laws. The legal counsel shall ensure that laws relating to the functions and activities of the Ministry are available to the authorities of the Ministry as well as are easily accessible to the public;

c) Provide an annual report to the Minister on the activities of the office for inclusion by the Minister in the Ministry’s Annual Report, as well as such other reports as may be required by the Minister or any of the departments of the Ministry in connection with the duties, responsibilities and activities of the office;

d) Be responsible and report to the Minister.

3.6.3 Director of Scholarship: Appointment and Functions

There is hereby created in the Ministry a Division of Scholarship to be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the Minister. The duties and functions of the Director shall include the following:

a) Coordination of the scholarship program of the Ministry;

b) Work with the various Departments of the Ministry regarding the capacity needs of the nation and of any of such departments and how the scholarship program may assist in meeting those needs.

3.6.4 Auditor: Appointment and Functions

There is hereby created in the Ministry the Office of Internal Auditor to be headed by a Certified Accountant who shall be appointed by the Minister. The functions and responsibilities of the Internal Auditor shall include the following:

a) Assist in the preparation and updating of the Ministry’s financial records, be the chief reviewer of all financial and other records to ensure accuracy and transparency in both financial transactions and the records;

b) Perform periodic and spot audits of all financial and system transactions and records;

c) Provide audit reports and recommendations from findings to the Minister;

d) Represent the Ministry during external audits whether by Government or private auditors;

e) Assist in the preparation of the Ministry’s budget;

f) Perform other duties incidental to the office of internal auditor;

g) The Internal Auditor shall be responsible and report to the Minister.

CHAPTER 4

STRUCTURE OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

4.1 Establishment of the Nine-three-four (9-3-4) Structure

The structure of Liberian Education System shall be the nine- three- four (9-3-4) structure and shall consist of the following stages:

a) Two years of early childhood education, followed by nine (9) years of Basic education;

b) Three years of Senior Secondary Education, or three (3) years of technical or vocational education in lieu thereof;

c) Four (4) years of University or other Tertiary under graduate education.

4.2 Categories of Schools in the Liberian Educational System

The Liberian Educational System, which shall comprise both regular and intermediate institutions, shall consist of the following categories of schools:

a) Early Childhood Education;

b) Basic Education – comprising primary, junior secondary, continuing and adult education;

c) Senior Secondary School – comprising academic and technical education;

d) Junior College and other post-secondary educational institutions;

e) Colleges and Universities;

f) Intermediate Institutions of Learning, which…