- A parent has petitioned KNEC to review the Grade 10 placement system, arguing that learners with disabilities should not be automatically restricted to SNE schools.
- The parent has cited two learners, one with a physical disability and another visually impaired, who they say could thrive in regular schools with appropriate support.
- KNEC has been urged to improve the placement portal to allow parents and schools to identify suitable regular institutions for learners with disabilities, promoting more inclusive placement.
A parent has called on the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to review the Grade 10 placement system to ensure learners with disabilities are not unnecessarily restricted to Special Needs Education (SNE) schools.
In a letter addressed to the KNEC Chief Executive Officer on Friday, September 11, the parent expressed concern that the current placement process could disadvantage learners with physical disabilities who are capable of learning effectively in regular schools when provided with appropriate support. The parent argued that disability categories should not be the sole basis for determining where a learner is placed, saying individual abilities, educational needs and the availability of support should also be taken into consideration.
The concern was illustrated using two learners at the school where the parent teaches. One has a physical disability, while another is one-eyed but retains useful vision. According to the parent, both learners are capable of participating in regular classroom learning with reasonable accommodation. “Some learners with physical disabilities can learn effectively in regular schools with appropriate support and should not automatically be placed in Special Needs Education schools,” the parent said.
ALSO READ:
Kenya’s inclusive education test: Will learners with disabilities get the support they need?
The parent further raised concern that some learners could be directed to SNE institutions despite the absence of suitable schools within their localities, potentially creating additional challenges for families. KNEC has been urged to consider improving the Grade 10 placement portal to allow parents and schools to identify suitable regular schools where learners with disabilities can receive the necessary support.
The parent said such an approach would promote inclusive education by ensuring learners are placed according to their individual capabilities and needs, rather than being guided solely by disability classifications. The appeal comes amid the ongoing transition of Grade 9 learners to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, with parents and schools navigating the placement process.
ALSO READ: Kinale Girls send nine players to Team Kenya camp ahead of Youth Olympics
The parent said a more flexible placement system would enhance equity and ensure learners with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities without facing unnecessary barriers. KNEC is responsible for assessment-related functions within Kenya’s education system, while Grade 10 placement involves the transition of learners from junior to senior secondary education.
By Jeff Kirui
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
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
