The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) is calling for the abolition of the no-repeat policy in schools. General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga has urged the Coalition Government and the Ministry of Education to reconsider this policy, which he argues has led to poorer student performance and lower grades.
Manumanunitoga pointed out that automatic promotion each year has contributed significantly to the decline in literacy and numeracy standards in Fiji, where the country has fallen from its top position in the Pacific region to sixth and seventh place, respectively.
He noted that the policy, introduced in 2008-2009, has diminished the urgency for parents to monitor their children’s academic performance, as they know students will advance to the next grade regardless of their achievements. This has consequently shifted the responsibility away from parents to ensure their children excel in their studies.
The FTA highlighted that the dropout rate at the primary school level is concerning, with recent figures indicating 4,589 students exiting the system. Manumanunitoga argues that eliminating the no-repeat policy could help reduce this number. He believes that increased parental engagement would enhance student learning, encouraging teachers to prioritize the performance of students who are repeating a grade.
Furthermore, he urged for a quick rejection of this policy to help improve Fiji’s academic standing in the Pacific. Requests for comments sent to Minister Aseri Radrodro and Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca last week went unanswered.
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