Thematic Analysis of Student Performance at CSEC

This report examines OECS student performance in CXC/CSEC exit examinations over five years, focusing on overall results and proficiency in English and Mathematics. The study spans pre-pandemic (2019), peak COVID-19 disruptions, and ongoing recovery (2023), analyzing learning loss linked to school closures.

Findings indicate a 9% decline in student enrollment for CSEC exams by 2022 and a 5.1% drop in overall performance compared to 2019. English and Mathematics performance declined by 8.0% and 9.8%, respectively. While external shocks such as hurricanes (2017) and a volcanic eruption (2021) also impacted education, the year 2022 marked the peak of learning loss.

Regression analysis identified English proficiency as the strongest predictor of overall performance, suggesting that improvements in English could enhance student outcomes across subjects. The report underscores the complexity of attributing learning loss solely to the pandemic, highlighting the broader vulnerabilities of small island developing states.