Teachers, Parents Calls for Scrapping of KPSEA Grading System
Concerns have been voiced by parents and teachers regarding the recently unveiled results of the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA). The discontent centers on the 60-40 percentage split between school-based assessments and the national sit-in exam, which, according to parents, puts rural schools at a disadvantage and has an unequal impact on student progression.
Martin Waliaula, the chair of the Parents Association Trans Nzoia branch, expressed that the assessment formula has caused confusion among parents, pupils, and teachers. Waliaula suggested the administration of end-year exams in every grade for a smoother transition, emphasizing the need for fairness and effectiveness in the assessment.
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In one locality, a mother of two expressed dissatisfaction with her child’s low KPSEA score, questioning whether the assessment truly measures competency or merely creates additional hurdles for children. A teacher in the same region called for a re-evaluation of the assessment formula by the Ministry of Education, emphasizing the need for effective school-based support, especially in underprivileged areas.
In Meru county, a resident was disappointed with the KPSEA grading system and advocated for its elimination, citing confusion and the absence of proper education structures.
Another parent in the same area called for the exams to be scrapped, citing a lack of awareness among parents regarding how students are graded and claiming insufficient materials, books, and funding for successful KPSEA implementation.
Bakari Mugambi, a health worker in Meru, voiced concern over parents’ lack of awareness regarding how students are graded and claimed insufficient government materials, books, and funding for successful KPSEA implementation.
Joseph Kilafi, the head teacher of Temple Road Primary School in Nyeri county, commended the KPSEA results, highlighting the satisfactory performance of the school’s candidates. However, he noted technical issues with the system since the results’ release, with some results yet to be downloaded.
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Isaac Njoroge in Murang’a County criticized the government for failing to rank candidates despite preparation and funding. He argued that the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) should have ranked candidates instead of turning it into an assessment, deeming the timing of the results release as an attempt to demean the examination.
In Western, education stakeholders criticized KPSEA, considering it an unfortunate event that adds no value to the country’s education system. Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary Tom Ingolo attributed this to the rushed implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) without proper consultation.
Ingolo expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consensus before a major shift in the education system, asserting that it exposes the sector to ridicule.
Dickson Anyangu, the head teacher of Kakamega Primary School, praised the test, stating that it helps teachers gauge learners’ performance and prepares young candidates for the pressure of national exams.
In Kisumu County, parents and learners reported difficulties accessing KPSEA results. Mercy Ochieng criticized the CBC curriculum, stating it was not well thought out and would negatively impact students’ performance.
Kuppet officials in Kisumu raised concerns about loopholes in the assessment, emphasizing its detrimental effect on the quality of education and the achievement of educational goals.
ALSO READ: KNEC Releases 2023 KPSEA Grade 6 Results
The union’s Executive Secretary General Zablon Awange argued that the attempt to eliminate ranking would have long-term consequences, potentially leading to a generation that does not take exams seriously, to the detriment of their careers.
Awange also criticized the assessment as a waste of public funds through hiring examiners, printing, invigilation, and marking.
Teachers, Parents Calls for Scrapping of KPSEA Grading System
