The Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro, has issued a serious warning to the leaders of schools categorized as ‘Hope’ that have shown consistently poor performance. This action is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry to tackle ongoing issues within the education system.
During a statement made to Parliament on Monday, Minister Radrodro indicated that these underperforming institutions will be subject to closer oversight in the coming years, specifically aimed at enhancing Year 8 students’ outcomes. He emphasized the importance of accountability among school leaders, stating, “We are closely monitoring heads of schools whose institutions fall under the Hope school category, which have consistently underperformed over the past three years.”
While the Minister did not disclose the exact number of schools facing these challenges, he pointed out the alarming results from Year 8 assessments nationwide. He highlighted the concerning national pass rates in both English and Mathematics – with English achieving a pass rate of 57% over the last three years and Mathematics at a much lower 41%.
Radrodro assured the public that efforts are being made to address these deficiencies, noting an ongoing review of the Mathematics curriculum and other educational content to better support students. He aims to align the curriculum with the demands of the 21st century, focusing on enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students.
Furthermore, he stated, “We are committed to equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.” The Minister also mentioned the importance of monitoring the progression of students in the past years and acknowledged a rise in Year 9 enrollment, which he attributes to the $200 Back to School assistance initiative.
In addition, Radrodro expressed the Ministry’s dedication to improving educational outreach to maritime and remote rural schools, ensuring that students in these regions have equal educational opportunities as those in urban areas. He encouraged parents or guardians facing enrollment challenges to reach out to district offices for support.
This proactive approach by the Minister underscores the commitment to enhancing the education system and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, receive the necessary support to succeed.
Summary: The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has vowed to closely monitor underperforming schools, particularly in the ‘Hope’ category, to enhance Year 8 results. He acknowledged poor national pass rates in English and Mathematics and announced a curriculum review aimed at developing relevant skills for students. Additionally, he confirmed efforts to improve access for rural and maritime schools, ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
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