STEM Education in Papua New Guinea and the Transition to Standards-Based Curriculum

In the evolving landscape of education, the integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects has become a global priority, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is no exception. 

As a nation rich in cultural diversity and natural resources, PNG recognises the importance of equipping its youth with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly technological world. 

The implementation of STEM education within the country's education system marks a significant step toward achieving this goal.

Exploring STEM Subjects in PNG: A Holistic Approach to Learning

STEM education in PNG encompasses a comprehensive range of subjects, collectively aimed at nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation among students. The core STEM subjects studied in PNG include:

1. English - Language & Literature: Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in any field. English language and literature provide students with the tools to express themselves articulately and comprehend complex ideas.

2. Mathematics: Mathematics is the language of patterns, logic, and quantitative analysis. It provides the foundation for understanding and solving real-world problems.

3. Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics): The sciences unlock the mysteries of the natural world. Biology, chemistry, and physics cultivate an understanding of life, matter, and energy, fostering curiosity and scientific inquiry.

4. Technology (ICT): In an era dominated by technology, information and communication technology (ICT) skills are essential. Students learn to harness the power of digital tools and navigate the digital landscape.

5. Engineering: Engineering principles drive innovation and the creation of solutions to complex challenges. Engineering education encourages a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving.

Furthermore, the curriculum can expand to include additional subjects based on the specific offerings of educational institutions. However, these core subjects constitute the foundation of STEM education in PNG.

Embracing Change: The Shift to Standards-Based Curriculum (SBC)

Recognising the need for a comprehensive educational framework that aligns with global best practices, PNG's education department is undergoing a transformative shift from the outcomes-based curriculum (OBC) to the standards-based curriculum (SBC). This transition reflects a commitment to providing a more structured, cohesive, and learner-centered educational experience.

The SBC is built upon a hierarchy of learning standards, each serving a distinct purpose:

1. National Aims and Goals: These overarching aspirations guide the entire education system, setting the direction for student development and societal progress.

2. Content Standards: These define the specific knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire at each grade level.

3. Benchmarks: Benchmarks outline the expected milestones of student progress, serving as checkpoints to assess achievement.

4. Evidence Outcomes: These outcomes articulate the tangible skills and abilities students should demonstrate to showcase their learning.

5. Topic/Learning Objectives: Objectives break down content into manageable units, enabling focused instruction.

6. Lesson Objectives: Lesson objectives guide daily teaching and learning activities, ensuring alignment with broader goals.

7. Performance Standards/Indicators: These indicators offer criteria for evaluating student mastery of concepts and skills.

Cultivating Essential Skills and Values

The SBC places emphasis not only on academic proficiency but also on the development of vital skills and values. Students are encouraged to cultivate:

Cognitive Skills: Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities are nurtured to foster a deep understanding of complex issues.

21st Century Skills: In a rapidly evolving world, skills such as adaptability, collaboration, and technological literacy are crucial for success.

STEAM Principles and Skills: STEM education is enriched by incorporating arts and design (STEAM), promoting interdisciplinary thinking and holistic innovation.

Spiritual Values and Virtues: Ethical and moral values are integrated into the curriculum to shape responsible and compassionate citizens.

Communication Skills: Proficiency in reading, writing, and effective communication prepares students to express ideas clearly and persuasively.

Essential Values and Attitudes: The SBC instills qualities like resilience, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Curriculum Connections: Unifying Learning Objectives

The transition to SBC brings about a fundamental shift in education delivery. The focus is on understanding and making connections between various aspects of learning. 

The formulation of learning standards is intricately linked to national aims, goals, and overarching principles. 

The curriculum is designed to empower students to navigate the complexities of the modern world, contribute to sustainable development, and drive positive change.

STEM Education in Papua New Guinea and the Transition to Standards-Based Curriculum

In conclusion, the introduction of STEM education in PNG and the subsequent shift to the standards-based curriculum signal a progressive leap toward holistic, learner-centric education. 

As PNG continues to evolve on its educational journey, the integration of STEM principles and the standards-based curriculum will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future.

School Reform in PNG: Reforming Home, School and Society - an Academic's Book Worth Reading

The book is an academic's view on School reform in Papua New Guinea. It looks into children, parents and family as the building block of true school reform.

Titled School Cultures: Powerful Mediums to Transform Individuals, Schools and Societies, the book addresses family, classroom and school as the main setting for powerful reformation of the school culture.

To buy the book, contact details are provided below. A must-read book for parents, teachers, school administrators and provincial and national education officers.

Facebook/Dr K. K. MALPO

Here is an original post from the author...

"A holistic approach to School Reforms" is what Dr. K. Kelep-Malpo's latest book on "School cultures: Powerful mediums to transform individuals, schools and societies" brings out.

Parents, especially young parents and families of today must buy as the point on "Homes and families being the first institutions of character building is substantially discussed.

Parents are further urged to train their children to make Quality Decisions whilst under their care before they leave home.

Graduates with Character come out of schools where strong Christian values, beliefs and practices like Retreats,TSCF, Scripture Union etc are encouraged.

Classrooms as Engine rooms where future architects of society are made, must be well catered for, for PNG's robust and quality workforce.

Head teachers with visions to transform schools are needed for PNG's schools today.

It is a must buy book for School boards & administration plus provincial authorities for holistic and not piecemeal reforms.

You can purchase this book from Dr. K. Kelep-Malpo (72328963) email address: malpokapa@gmail.com or Moses Elias - POM (70454290) email address; emson72.me@gmail.com.

Re-posted from the author's Facebook page.

Curriculum and Structural Changes: Intensive Early Childhood Education Has Long-lasting Effects on Learning

The education system has undergone several changes. Here are some highlights of the changes in the School Curriculum and School Structure in Papua New Guinea. To clarify, curriculum change would mean the the change from the Standard-Based Education (SBE) to Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and vice versa. Whereas the Structural Change refers to the arrangement (and rearrangement) of Grades composition within the schools. 

Brief

Many students in the 1990s will remember the curriculum change that took place. Talks about the change started in 1993/1994. The actual curriculum shift - from the more established SBE to the troublesome OBE - happened in 1995.

 Twenty-one (21) years later, (and after much criticism of OBE) the curriculum reverted to SBE in 2016. This year, 2017, would be the second year of implementing SBE in classrooms around the country. The interesting observation is that there is *no* information about what actually is transpiring in classrooms. It could imply either all is well or something is seriously not right.

Change as a process

Understandably, change – as a process – needs monitoring and reporting on an on-going basis. After 2 years of SBE many questions needing answers as the country's education system moves into the third year of SBE implementation:

• How are all the key stakeholders monitoring the progress and reporting? 
• How are the teachers coping in the classrooms? 
• Is there any significant transformation happening in classrooms nationwide?

Furthermore, in 2015 the Education Department hinted a change in overall School/Education Structure. And, implied to take effect, in 2016, starting with schools in the main centres (This had not materialised). The image gives details of the structural changes, including the attempt changes: 

1.    Pre-1995 (6-4-2 structure) 

• 12 years of schooling
• Primary School Grades 1 – 6 
• High School Grades 7 – 10
• National High School Grades 11 – 12
• Up to 1995 was the era of SBE

2.    1995 and ensuing years (2-6-4 structure) 

• 12 years of schooling
• Elementary school Grades 1 – 2
• Primary School Grades 3 – 8
• Secondary school Grades 11 – 12
• The era of OBE curriculum dominated by a slow move from the 6-4-2 structure to 2-6-4 structure

3.    2015 structural change (2-6-6)

• 14 years of schooling
•  Early years/pre-school Prep 1 – Prep 2
• Primary School Grade 1 – 6
• Secondary School Grades 7 - 12

This was supposed to have taken effect in 2016, but did *not* eventuate. In fact, the change would have completely turned the system upside-down. The pre-primary levels would stay the same. But the primary schools were likely to take in Grades 1 -2 and dissolve Grades 7-8. And, the Secondary Schools would (in turn) have taken in Grades 7-8, hence have Grade 7 - 12 (6 grades altogether!).

4.    2018 - *indication of another* structural change (1-6-6) 

• 13 years of schooling
•  Pre-school Prep 1
• Primary School Grades 1 – 6
• Secondary School Grades 7 – 12

Indicated recently through the media, this is another changed hinted to have started in 2018. Teachers, especially the Tok Ples Elementary and Grade 7-8 teachers, will be the obvious group caught in the changing structure. 

Foundation years (ages 3, 4, 5 and 6)

It is indicative, in the structural changes, that there are only one or two years at the pre-primary levels. This level of schooling remains a lesser focus area among the on-going educational changes. By this I mean, there is a need for *more* emphasis on *quality* at the early-learning (preparatory) years. For example, the education changes could look at widening the base to 4 years of early learning; or ensure children at these early years are a own group apart; or setting a benchmark where teachers with degree and honours teach the children of ages 3, 4, 5 and 6 years.

The changes cannot ignore the fact that learning taking place at the earlier ages has significant effect on children's cognitive and academic development. A research finding pointed out that:

The early childhood education can have long-lasting effects on the children's cognitive and academic development. (Source: RAND, a renown research organisation )

One impending question is: 

Do the educational changes, such as the structural and curriculum changes, place emphasis on the pre-primary level and early-learning?

The changes in PNG's education structure (and curriculum) are for the good of every child, nonetheless. The challenge, going forward, is to re-evaluate and prioritise the early-learning structure - create a stronger foundation.

INSIGHT ON UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION COMPLETION IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) initiated a Global vision for improving the standard of living, sustaining the natural environment and living coherently in the 2^nd Millennium. 

Papua New Guinea (PNG) as one of 193 Member States of the United Nations (UN) signed up to this union right after its independence on the 10^th of October 1975. MDGs from 2000 to 2015 had eight goals related to 

• (1) Poverty; 
• (2) Primary Education; 
• (3) Gender Equity; 
• (4) Child Mortality; 
• (5) Maternal Health; 
• (6) HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases; 
• (7) Environmental Sustainability; and 
• (8) Global Partnerships for Development. 

PNG’s government departments, and donor agencies, were instrumental in developing, assessing and reporting aimed at achieving the MDGs in the last 15 years. The then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, in his remarks on the 2004 MDGs report, stated that performance at provincial and local levels was ‘mixed’ (Undporg, c2004).

1.0. Purpose of the report on UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION COMPLETION IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

There is an urgent need for the National Department of Education (NDoE) to have a centralized data collection mechanism to collect, analyze and present accurate reports and or disseminate them to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) government and stakeholders. 

Even after 40 years of independence, the NDoE through the Measurement Service Division (MSD), lack the ability to gather accurate data nationwide. 

This write-up emphasizes the importance of achieving not only Universal Primary Education (UPE) completion but also proposes a way to improve educational data gathering in PNG. 

One of the main constraints of achieving Universal Primary Education (UPE)/Universal Basic Education (UBE) is the unavailability of accurate data for developing sectorial policies and plans or making realistic future projections. 

Key indicators for measuring educational achievements like retention rate, enrolment rate and education quality must reflect real situations.

1.2 What is UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION, UPE?

UPE is Goal 2 amongst the eight MDGs. The goal emphasized the need for compulsory, free and quality education for both boys and girls of primary school age children. 

Primary education, especially the education for children seven to fourteen years of age, is seen as a powerful driver for social and economic development and for archiving other MDGs. (Worldbankorg, c2003).

Structural Reform (1993) came into effect in PNG where community schools ‘ topped up’ to primary schools. Instead of Grade 1 to Grade 6 with an examination at the end of year six, the elementary schools had Grade 1 and Grade 2 identified as Elementary 1 and 2. 

The transition happened at the end of Elementary 2 where pupils move into Grade 3 and continue to Grade 8 without having to sit any national examinations in between. 

Evidently, the structural adjustment increased the progression rate from 41 percent in 1992 to 73 percent in 2001 (Primary School Age, UNICEF PNG, n.p.).

The diagram illustrates a standard educational structure by considering existing structures in the United Kingdom and International Education Agency (IEA) in PNG. 

The focus, as far as UPE was concerned in PNG, was geared more towards the seven to fourteen years old and less on preprimary and post-primary levels.

2.0 RESEARCH FINDINGS

2.1. Policy targets in Elementary and Primary Schools

Specific Gross Enrolment Rate (GER), Cohort Retention Rate (CRR) and Youth Literacy Rate (YLR) were marked for achieving in 2015. 

Policies on structural, examination and school fees at primary schools were implemented to achieve GER of 85 percent, CRR at 70 percent and YLR at 70 percent by 2015 (MDGR, 2004). 

In fact, the rates were set below 100 percent to be more realistic and achievable. For example, expanding access at elementary schools is directly proportional to GER. The understanding was that if elementary schools were established in each village, enrolment would increase. 

Also, within the primary schools, the number of students continuing school to Grade 7 is maintained with the phasing-out of examinations at Grade 6.

The NEP 2005 – 2014 identified enrolment age at six years of age. Enrolling students early, at an age of 6 or 7 years, in elementary schools increases their chance of remaining until completing primary education. 

Cultural obligation (especially on girls) and intrinsic social norms tend to force students out of school, especially when there is a disproportion in the age gap within the classroom. 

It is a serious concern for students who may have been in their late adolescence and early teens and doing Grades 6, 8 or 10. 

The table shows a projection of students’ enrolment age. Over a third of students enrolled in Grade 1 on 1999 aged nine and ten. In Grade 10 they would have been in their late adolescence.

2.2. Pre-reform and post-reform: Comparison of Grade 6 and Grade 8 data

Recent policies, in particular, the Tuition Fee Free (TFF) Policy 2011 have been thought to have positively impacted school enrolment and retention.  

However, data from primary schools before and after the reforms have indicated little improvement. 

The number of Community Schools (now Primary Schools) increased every five years in the hundreds until 1999, but was unchanged in 2015: 

• 2224 schools, 1983; 
• 2503 schools, 1998; 
• 2673 schools, 1999; and 
• 2663 schools, 2015. 

Examination statistics for Grade 6 in 1990 and Grade 8 in 2015 showed 112,763 (NDoE, c1996) students and 120,000 (The National, 6^th October 2015) students sat the national exams in Grade 6 and Grade 8, respectively. 

The projection for the Grade 6 population in PNG for 2004 was 151,513, yet the population for Grade 8 in 2015 did not reach the target 10 years later.

There is a strong indication that after 15 years of MDGs, the numbers of primary schools had remained static, and there was very little increase in the number of students taking exams. 

PNG's inability to maintain and identify the development dilemma in these two key areas could be attributed to several factors. 

The key inadequacies are the inaccurate data and a lack of policy guides: either way, there was gross misinterpretation and representation of data from the start.

2.3 PNG Education Plans and Challenges

PNG government plans on education showed that achieving UPE is working progress (MDGPR, 2004) and for PNG to achieve UPE it needs careful planning (Richard Bridle, UNICEF, 2007). 

A holistic approach is required at all levels of education. 

At elementary levels, the demand for teachers saw untrained teachers, who were educated to either Grade 6, Grade 8 or Grade 10 recruited to teach elementary pupils. 

The pupils would have been taught by certificate holders at Grade 1 and Grade 2 were now taught by teachers with very low English and mathematics competencies. 

Improved training for teachers, particularly in Literacy and Numeracy, at Elementary schools can improve the quality of knowledge and skills (Ivan Ngoboka, c2015) that are being imparted to students early during their education life.

Educational Sectorial Review (ESR) 1991 recommended the need for PNG to improve access rate, maintain students in school and reform curriculum (A Kukari, c2012, p.3). 

The report uncovered that ninety percent of school-age students have not attended school, the attrition rate at forty-five percent and the curriculum was long overdue for reform. 

Several education plans were developed after the review including National Education Plan 1995 – 2014, Universal Basic Education (UBE) Plan 2010 – 2019 and recently PNG Vision 2050. 

The plans after the 2^nd Millennium also took into consideration the MDGs. In particular, UBE was aligned towards achieving compulsory, free and quality education for all young boys and girls - a sectorial policy framework built on MDG Two, the UPE.

The focus of these plans was to increase access, retention and quality by: 

• improving pupils’ indicative rates like the enrolment, retention, attrition and progression rates; 
• improving teachers' training and achieving students to teacher ratio of 40:1; 
• improving educational services and procurements; and 
• developing relevant curricula to be implemented and monitored.

3. ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONSTRAINTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RWANDA, PAKISTAN AND PNG

3.1. In Numbers: Rwanda From Civil War To Achieving UPE

Rwanda Civil War ended officially in 2003. Reports on Rwanda achievements indicated that they have achieved major UPE milestones in under twelve years though they had more to do with reducing the high drop-out rate (Ivan Ngoboka, 2015). 

The numbers indicating their positive story are: 

• 1870 preprimary schools were constructed for three years of pre-primary education targeting children between the age of four and six years of age; 
• two institutions offered degree courses for pre-primary teachers, including 13 colleges offering diploma and certificate courses in the same field; 
• 9 years free basic education implemented in 2006; 
• the number of primary schools between 2000 and 2012 increased by 24 percent; 
• enrolment in 2013 figures increased by 68 percent; 
• rate of students who have never been to school halved to 9 percent from 18 percent; 
• the ratio of boys to girls in school had increased within 12 years from 50.9:49.6 to 49:3: 50.7, a shift which saw an increase in the girls’ school population.

3.2 Pakistan’s Constraints

It was indicative that Pakistan was not going to achieve UPE two years before 2015. 

A report on Pakistan’s constraints and challenges summed that the government needs to show a ‘high level of political will’ to achieve UPE (Zakar, Muhammad Zakria et al, 2013). 

There was significant variation in enrolment rate where some parts of the country were at 60 percent whilst one was at as low as 39 percent. 

A constitutional amendment in 2010 granted sole responsibility for policy reform, implementation programs and monitoring. 

The decentralization of education functions resulted in complacency in many parts of Pakistan. 

The following are obvious constraints, among many, that hindered achieving UPE: 

• insufficient educational service; 
• untrained teachers usually appointed by political recommendation; 
• lack of community participation; 
• Illiterate parents; lack of political commitments; and 
• Poor infrastructure and learning resources.

3.3. PNG In Perspective

PNG’s government policies on education and challenges are manageable and achievable.

Correct data and careful planning are required to achieve educational goals going forward. 

UNICEF Deputy Director for East-Pacific highlighted that if Cambodia, a poor country, could achieve UPE ‘there was no reason why PNG could not do it’. 

Figures released by NDoE in 2015 showed that of the 120,000 Grade 8 students, 50.83 percent (61,000 students) do not continue to Grade 9 at lower secondary school. 

The projected number of primary school enrollment by 2014 was at 90,703 students (NEP 2005-2014). Indicatively, the number of students sitting exams surpasses the projected figure, and students present in the classrooms at lower secondary schools remain very low. 

There was a glaring disparity between the number of primary schools and the number of secondary schools. In the same year (2015), there were 2263 primary schools and 256 secondary schools. In view of these figures, it appears that infrastructural development does not catch up with population growth.

To fulfil policies and plans on UPE in the country, both educational and political leaders at national and local levels must know that there is a need to invest time, money and effort in education. 

In the research article Challenges for Quality Primary Education in Papua New Guinea—A Case Study the researchers stated:

''… the quality of leadership demonstrated to lead the educational change [in PNG] has been disappointing. Inadequate leadership at the administration and curriculum levels had a negative impact on the quality of education. Achieving quality education has also been hampered by inadequate funding, scarcity of skilled human resources, and inappropriate infrastructure in all educational institutions'' (Hindawicom, c2011,Volume 2011).

In fact, there are similarities between PNG and Pakistan as far as constraints are concerned. It was difficult to identify a developing trend given limited facts and figures. 

Whereas, Rwanda had presented a clear case. PNG needs to learn from success stories. 

This means having strong leadership in education circles who can be the main drivers in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2016-2030 Goal 4 about achieving quality education in early childhood development, care, preprimary education, primary education and secondary education (Wwwunorg, c2016)

4. A PROPOSAL IN BRIEF: KEY FACTOR FOR ACHIEVING UPE, DATA

PNG has many constraints with its growing population. There is a need for collecting and disseminating vital statistical data. 

This study proposes that a data collection mechanism is established to address the problem of the unavailability of reliable data. 

To create an independent data management organisation, separate from and from the National Planning Department, NDoE and MSU. 

One way to make it happen is to create a customized website for collecting useful data for measuring key UPE indicators. 

This exercise has to be negotiated and made mandatory for schools in the country to comply with.

5. CONCLUSION (UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION COMPLETION IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA)

Though the achievements of MDG were mixed there were strides made in the formulation of educational policies and plans aligned to achieving UPE. 

Learn the lessons to learn from Rwanda and Pakistan. 

To achieve the MDG 2, it is recommended that the government of PNG, through NDoE, implement the following strategies: 

• Increase the number of secondary schools from 256 to 2000.
• Expand the existing secondary schools by increasing classrooms.
• Promote vocational and technical secondary schools for Grade 8.
• Develop stringent planning, monitoring and management mechanisms.
• Train preprimary teachers up to degree level.
• Increase capacity at teachers' training institutions.
• Mandatory Grade 1 school-age at 6 years old.
• Develop data collection and dissemination mechanisms.
• Reduce the dropout rate (50.83 percent) at Grade 8, by setting targets for the 8 points.

References

Barbara Bruns, Alain Mingat, and Ramahatra Rakotomalala. "Achieving Universal Primary." worldbank.org. 2003. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1089739404514/frontmatter.pdf (accessed July 10, 2016).

Education, National Department of. National Education Plan 2005-2014. Policy Framework, Port Moresby: Government Printing, 2004.

Kukari, A. Universal Basic Education Policy Research Framework: A Focal Point for Research, Monitoring and Evaluation. Discussion Paper, Port Moresby: National Research Institute, 2012, 39.

MALKEN, SHEILA. Examination Population at Primary and Secondary School. News, Port Moresby: The National, 2015.

Maureen, Gerawa. Potential to abolish fees. Newspaper, Port Moresby: The Post Courier, 2007.

Ngoboka, Ivan. MDGs: What has Rwanda done to achieve universal primary education? News, United States: SyndiGate Media Inc, 2015.

PNG, United National Development Program. MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL - Progress Report for Papua New Guinea 2004. Progress Report, Port Moresby: UNDP PNG, 2004, 50.

Rena, Ravinder. "Challenges for Quality Primary Education in Papua New Guinea." Challenges for Quality Primary Education in Papua New Guinea—A Case Study (Education Research International), 2011: 11.

UN. "Sustainable Development Goals: 17 Goals to Transform Our World." United National Sustainable Development . n.d. http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education/ (accessed July 10, 2016).

UNICEF. "UNICEF PNG." unicef.org. n.d. http://www.unicef.org/png/children_3857.html (accessed July 10, 2016).

Zakar, Muhammad Zakria, Shazia Qureshi, Razza-Ullah, Rubeena Zakar, Nauman Aqil, and Riffat Manawar. Universal Primary Education in Pakistan: constraints and challenges. News, Lahore: Centre for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, 2013.

The Most Important System: Future Of Our Nation Depends On Its Education System - PNG

A response to a parent's concern:

Analysing the Education System From Within

David, it is worrying to see our education system - the system we've  gone though - has been battered over time. Your observation should be a concern for every parent. We know that education is our  future, our children are our future. The education system is the MOST important system in the country. 

Any change within the system must be backed by proper research and planning. Lack of it has resulted  in regression as evident today. 

Education leaders and politicians who are responsible for the education to the people have to start asking questions. 

They have to find answers to the questions: What can be done to improve the education system from here on? Will the change in structure and curriculum improve the education system? Will the planned phasing out of Gr 8 exams improve standard of examinations? Will the infrastructure developments bring better change? Have we seen an improvement in standard of education  through the government's Free Education policy?

I think there is no magic bullet. The deteriorating education standard we see today has resulted from years of unplanned and ill-advised policies. It is now time to ask ourselves 'what went wrong' and fix it.

Being Specific About What Needs to Be Changed - Positive Change

 We need to be specific when we talk about change. There are many changes going on at the mo. What 'good' change do we want to see? A good change (in my opinion) that is happening is the curriculum change OBE to SBE. Another good change also happening (but at a very slow pace) is government acting on Ganim's Report 12 recommendations. What else needs to be done to improve the system of education?

Proper Researches and Reviews Must be Happen prior to Changes in Education System

In April/May 2014 a parliamentary committee on education (PRCE) was investigating and reporting on teacher's appointment process, salary & remuneration (leave fares), functions of TSC and NDoE. The review was done at a time when teachers were having problems with leave fares. The government accepted the review and its 12 recommendations in January this year and allocated over K7.8 million to fund its implementation. Having followed development in education closely, I think this is the best thing the govt has done. But, I have yet to see the result on the ground though it has been nearly 10 months since the govt has accepted the review in principle. Here is the link to the stories I have been following http://goo.gl/YkkqzO

Ganim Report Is An Example of a Proper Review

The report recommends:

1. Review of functions and responsibilities of the DoE and Teaching Services Commission (TSC) in the Management of teachers’ salaries and entitlements.

2. TSC to review Teaching Services Act 1988 Section 9.

3. Review of relevant sections of the Teaching Service and Education Acts on appointment policies and procedures with the view to transfer off powers and functions to the Provincial Education Board.

4. Extension of tenure appointment from current three years to five years.

5. Review of ALESCO pay system enabling it to accommodate processing of all salaries and entitlements.

6. Transfer of full ALESCO Pay System and powers to the Provincial Education Board.

7. Payment of teachers’ leave fares direct into their accounts.

8. Annual teacher manpower update to be conducted in the first quarter of the school year.

9. TCS to assume financial autonomy as a separate entity of State as per the Teaching Services Act 1988.

10. Review of policy, process and procedures in the administration of retrenchment, retirement and resignation of teachers.

11. Review of a centralized modern electronic teacher information database that is easily available for provincial education authorities and other relevant stakeholders to have access.

12. Review of the TCS administrative and manpower structural requirements and resourcing the Commission, enabling it greater autonomy to effectively and efficiently administer and regulate powers and functions.