KNEC CEO David Njengere Calls for Trust in Teachers for School-Based Assessments.
David Njengere, the CEO of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), addressed concerns regarding the trust in teachers to administer school-based assessments effectively.
Speaking during a recent CBC Engagement event, Njengere emphasized the importance of bridging the trust gap between teachers and stakeholders in the education system.
Trusting Teachers as Professionals
Njengere noted that there has been a growing issue in the country when it comes to trusting teachers as professionals in conducting school-based assessments.
“We seem to have an issue in trusting teachers as professionals in issuing school-based assessments,” Njengere said.
This statement comes amid concerns raised by some about the validity and reliability of assessments administered by teachers without the oversight of external supervisors.
According to Njengere, the fear that teachers might not be objective or professional in carrying out these assessments is unfounded.
He reassured the public that KNEC has been conducting these school-based assessments since 2019 and has consistently observed a “normal curve” in the results.
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This, he explained, indicates that teachers have been performing their duties with great professionalism and objectivity.
The Need for Encouragement and Support for Teachers
Njengere also highlighted the importance of encouraging and motivating teachers, rather than subjecting them to unwarranted skepticism.
“Once you tell a professional that I fear you are going to do the wrong thing, I don’t know what you’re doing to that professional,” he remarked.
He urged the public and educational stakeholders to acknowledge the hard work teachers have put into the assessment process, which has been based on careful piloting by KNEC and other education bodies.
Upcoming Junior School Assessment
In addition to discussing the school-based assessments, Njengere touched on the upcoming Junior School assessment that will take place next year.
He confirmed that the students moving from grade 8 to grade 9 next month have already completed their School-Based Assessments (SBAs).
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This marks another step in the ongoing reforms in the education system under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
As Njengere continues to advocate for greater confidence in teachers, his remarks underline the significant role educators play in shaping the future of the country’s educational landscape.
KNEC CEO David Njengere Calls for Trust in Teachers for School-Based Assessments.
