The Ministry of Education is set to change the grading structure of KCSE examinations to reflect the dominant aptitudes and interests of learners, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang has said.
Dr. Kipsang said that the grading will take into account the literacy and numeracy abilities of learners.
He, however, said it will allow the overall grading of the learners to include the best five subjects instead of grading them across subject clusters as has been the case since the inception of the 8.4.4 system of education.
The PS made the remarks during a briefing on the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) to the members of the Departmental Committee on Education of the National Assembly, led by Deputy Chairperson Malulu Injendi, at a Mombasa hotel yesterday.
Dr. Kipsang represented the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu in informing the members of the status, roadmap and legislative proposals that will give effect to the recommendations of the PWPER report.
The report recommended a review of the KCSE grading system to conform to the international standards that inform the grading of students at the same level.
The PS said that the grading in any national education system is for certification and not placement of students in higher education adding that the grading structure favouring placement has disadvantaged many students with different orientations in abilities and interests.
He however said that students of the remaining 8.4.4 cohort will be graded according to their performance in five subjects in addition to their grades in Mathematics and either English or Kiswahili.
Dr. Kipsang said that a student with ability and interest in Medicine or Engineering need not be prevented from qualifying for the courses just because a subject that was used to grade him pulled down his overall Mean Grade.
He also said that the government wants to make the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) a part of the County Education Board (CEB) system.
He said that their inclusion will ensure that regulations and instructions are enforced and that harmony is established in an environment with different cultures and other diversities.
Dr. Kipsang said the recommendations by PWPER are about improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of education services.
“The current policy thrust of education is not only keen on ensuring that all children attend school. It is also as much keen, if not keener, that all children get optimal learning experience regardless of their social background, physical or mental condition.
Also in attendance were; Director General, Dr. Elyas Abdi, Chief Executive Officers of State corporations under the Ministry of Education and senior officials in the Ministry.
By Our Reporter
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