- Junior schools in Nyandarua have been directed to align assessment practices with Competency-Based Education principles.
- The Ministry of Education says teachers should focus on continuous assessment instead of examination-oriented learning.
- Schools have also been warned against using commercial examination papers and ranking learners.
The Ministry of Education in Nyandarua County has issued fresh guidelines directing Junior Schools to align assessment practices with the principles of Competency-Based Education (CBE) and move away from traditional examination-oriented approaches.
In a circular, County Director of Education Nancy Mutai informed all Junior School head teachers that the directive follows concerns raised by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) regarding assessment practices in Junior Schools.
The circular states that Competency-Based Education emphasises continuous, evidence-based assessment rather than reliance on end-of-term examinations.
Teachers have been directed to engage learners in projects, research activities and other classroom tasks that can be assessed using standardised rubrics.
According to the county education office, this approach enables learners to demonstrate competencies and practical skills while allowing teachers adequate time to implement the curriculum effectively.
No commercial examinations
The Ministry also reminded schools that the use of unauthorised commercial examination papers remains prohibited.
Instead, teachers have been instructed to develop classroom-based assessments aligned with curriculum designs developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
The circular notes that School-Based Assessment (SBA) can be conducted using assessment rubrics, learner portfolios, observation schedules and anecdotal records.
These tools are intended to provide a more accurate picture of learners’ progress and competency development than conventional examination marking.
The County Director further expressed concern that some schools continue assigning class positions despite the transition to CBE.
The circular reiterates that CBE report cards do not support numerical ranking of learners.
Instead, learner achievement should be reported using four performance levels: Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Approaching Expectations and Below Expectations.
Education officials say the new guidelines will strengthen the implementation of Competency-Based Education by shifting emphasis from examination scores to skills acquisition, creativity, problem-solving and holistic learner development.
READ ALSO: MoE activates Grade 10 selection portal, aligns subjects with school offerings
All Junior Schools in Nyandarua County have been directed to comply fully with the new assessment and reporting requirements.
By Kithinji Njeru
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
