Govt Revises Entry Requirements for Teachers Training Colleges
The government has revised the entry requirements for teacher training colleges (TTCs) for students who aspire to become primary and secondary school instructors.
Previously, a student needed a C (Plain) grade in mathematics, English, and Kiswahili, as well as a C in a science and humanities subject, to qualify for training as a primary school teacher.
However, as a result of the modifications, a student must have an average grade of C (plain) in subjects other than mathematics, English, and Kiswahili. To become a secondary school teacher, however, a student must earn a C, and a C+ in two subjects.
According to the recommendations of the Presidential Working Group on Education Reforms (PWPER), this is the case.
The Kenya Teachers Colleges Principals Association (KTCPA) urged the Ministry of Education to send TTCs circulars permitting them to implement the revised entry requirements.
According to Paul Barasa, the chairman of KTCPA, the updated entry requirements hold significant national importance. He explained that these requirements are particularly crucial for educators, as they must possess a thorough mastery of the subject they specialize in.
Consequently, a higher grade in the desired teaching subject is now necessary. Initially, the baseline requirement was a C plus grade in the subject. However, the recent revision has seen this requirement lowered to a C (average) grade.
Mr. Barasa further conveyed that all Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) have universally embraced the competency-based teacher education program.
According to Paul Barasa, it has been confirmed that both private and public Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) have initiated and are actively conducting programs, including the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education, the Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education, and the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education.
There are a total of 35 public and 28 private TTCs in Kenya that offer the Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Diploma in Primary and Secondary Teacher Education.
Education stakeholders stated that the revised entry requirements will assist TTCs with low enrollment in recruiting more pre-service teachers. Some TTCs enroll fewer than twenty students. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu cited insufficient budgetary allocations, poor fee payments by parents, and low enrollment as obstacles facing TTCs.
The CS is hopeful that the revised admission requirements for TTCs will increase the number of pre-service instructors.
The CS acknowledged that while this approach holds promise, it presents additional challenges in upholding the standard of education.
One of the directives stemming from the PWPER involves the ministry’s responsibility to formulate a set of guidelines for a year-long initiative aimed at retraining and enhancing the skills of teachers who completed their education prior to 2023.
He further commented that his ministry has already initiated efforts to translate the task force’s recommendations into actionable strategies.
Speaking at the annual conference of principals of public and private teacher training institutions at the Voyager Hotel in Mombasa, the Cabinet Secretary urged teacher educators to produce well-trained teachers who can implement the competency-based curriculum effectively in schools.
Govt Revises Entry Requirements for Teachers Training Colleges