The revised national school discipline matrix has been approved for implementation in all schools. Male students who repeatedly commit major or severe infractions, and are facing expulsion will be recommended by the Ministry of Education to the MiLAT Programme. MiLAT is expected to assist young male citizens in transforming the trajectory of their lives.
The following is a press release from the Ministry of Education:
The revised National School Discipline Matrix was approved for implementation in all schools in Trinidad and Tobago with effect from the 2022/2023 Academic Year. One of the key strategies for providing support to male students who repeatedly commit infractions includes referral to the Military Led Academic Training (MiLAT) Programme.
Cabinet has approved that with effect from Academic Year 2022/2023, male students who repeatedly commit major or severe infractions, and who are therefore in line for permanent removal from the school environment, will be recommended by the Ministry of Education to the MiLAT Programme.
The MiLAT Programme has been proven to effect positive behaviour modification of students whilst they pursue academic development in a quasi-military environment. Students pursue full certification in the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC) examinations and have exposure to elective skills, with the ability to pursue higher levels of education and training.
Compulsory education in Trinidad and Tobago is between the ages of five (5) and sixteen (16). As such, students under the age of 16 who are recommended to MILAT must compulsorily attend. Students who are repeat offenders above the age of sixteen (16), and are similarly recommended to MiLAT, will not be mandated to attend, but all efforts will be made to strongly encourage it.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service will formalize this arrangement with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU will specify amended conditions for enrollment of recommended students, including a relaxation of the age requirement, removal of the need for an admission examination, and variation of the intake periods.
MiLAT is expected to assist young male citizens in transforming the trajectory of their lives. The Ministry of Education recognizes that a solution is needed for young female students with similar behavioural challenges, and therefore pledges its support for a suitable expansion of the MiLAT Programme.