KUPPET Opposes New KCSE Grading System, Warns Against STEM Subjects Decline
The decision to alter the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) grading structure for the remaining classes under the 8-4-4 system has caused a rift among education stakeholders.
The modifications, announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Monday, will take effect this year.
Under the new system proposed by the Presidential Working Group for Education Reform, the ultimate KCSE grades will be based on two mandatory subjects.
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The two required subjects will be mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language), in addition to the five highest-performing subjects.
Previously, there were five required subjects distributed across three cluster groups: mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences, and one humanities.
However, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has contested the changes, characterizing them as a knee-jerk reaction that is more likely to confound candidates than to assist them.
The changes, according to Kuppet, will cause students to choose easier alternatives, posing a threat to STEM-related subjects and courses.
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In an interview with the Standard, Akello Misori, the secretary general of KUPPET, expressed his view that the government’s approach appears to involve a strategy aimed at reducing the number of students opting for science subjects.
Consequently, this could lead to a decreased requirement for educational facilities and laboratories.
He added, “Encourage the student to take the easier route in academics, and the technical subjects will gradually diminish.” This will have a negative impact on the scientific subjects, as students will now choose an easier path.”
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KUPPET Opposes New KCSE Grading System, Warns Against STEM Subjects Decline
