The Caribbean Examinations Council has released new learning standards for literacy and numeracy aimed at students in the first three years of secondary school, part of a regional push to raise achievement and close learning gaps.

CXC Registrar and CEO Wayne Wesley unveiled the standards at a press conference in Kingston on Wednesday, calling them essential guides for instruction and assessment.

The literacy and numeracy framework outlines teaching and learning expectations for lower secondary schools, while a companion document sets performance criteria for primary exit examinations. Both publications are available for free download on the CXC website.