The Ministry of Education in Fiji is currently seeking approval from the Cabinet for the reimplementation of exam scaling, a system that was previously abandoned in 2015. Sereseini Lesi, the Acting Director of Examinations and Assessment, shared insights during the recent Fiji Principals Association Annual Conference, emphasizing that national consultations conducted in July last year revealed substantial support for the scaling system. The overarching consensus was that scaling could reintroduce balance and fairness in student assessments.
Lesi pointed out the negative impact that the absence of scaling has had on the education sector, particularly noting a shortage of educators in the STEM fields. The data suggests a decline in participation for Year 12 exams since the discontinuation of scaling, with a notable drop in students sitting for exams. This trend underlines a significant issue in student confidence levels and overall participation, contributing to broader social and economic challenges.
Lesi expressed concern over the correlation between the elimination of the scaling system and the rising number of students not completing their assessments. For instance, in 2012, a large majority of students who enrolled for Year 12 exams completed them, whereas now there is an uptick in absenteeism during exams. As she underscored, a return to scaling might rectify these issues by providing students with a more equitable framework for performance evaluation.
The push for scaling is not without historical precedent. Previously, the system aimed to ensure fairness in subject equivalence and make academic achievements comparable across different subjects and difficulty levels. Reflecting on this, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro had previously informed Parliament that public consultations would be essential to gather opinions from the community. The consultation process is pivotal for the system’s reintroduction, aimed at aligning Fiji’s educational assessments with global standards and maintaining consistency and fairness.
The Ministry has already submitted the necessary documentation to the Cabinet and is eagerly awaiting the final green light. If approved, the scaling system could be formally reintroduced, potentially transforming the educational landscape by aligning it with international practices and addressing disparities in student performances.
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