FORMER PERMANENT secretary in the Ministry of Education, Elaine Foster Allen, said a combination of shift system, distant learning and alliances with local organisations will need to be considered in preparation for the new school term.

Foster Allen, who is now an education consultant, made the suggestion during a COVID-19: rethinking education forum organised by WE-CHANGE yesterday.

The seasoned educator said that ministry officials and school leaders will have to adopt new ways of dealing with their students.

Education consultant Renee Rattray feels that while COVID-19 has affected everyone, it has also been a gift to educators in some ways.

“In education, we have a lot of catching up to do, in terms of being opened to changing the way we do things.