The Education Ministry has announced the implementation of a new Student Progression and Retention Policy aimed at enhancing the quality of education while safeguarding student well-being. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro stated that the policy was formulated after comprehensive consultations with teachers, unions, universities, and various stakeholders in the education sector.
The policy stipulates that students must attend at least 80 percent of school days and achieve a minimum score of 50 percent in each subject to advance to the next grade level. Exceptions will be considered for legitimate circumstances such as illness or family emergencies.
Radrodro emphasized that this initiative comes in response to feedback gathered through the Denarau Declaration, where stakeholders expressed concerns that automatic progression might compromise the quality of education students receive. “This is just an option that has come about through consultation,” he noted, underscoring the collaborative nature of this policy development.
To bolster student performance and attendance, the Ministry will closely monitor school data and provide additional support as needed. Schools are encouraged to foster collaboration with parents and offer assistance to students who may be at risk of falling behind academically.
The Minister also stressed the importance of creating an inclusive academic environment: “No child should feel discriminated against or labeled as someone who cannot read. This policy aims to address these gaps and ensure that children feel secure and welcomed in school.”
Furthermore, schools are mandated to submit annual reports on attendance, progression, dropout rates, and academic performance to their respective District Education Offices, which will then forward the information to the Ministry’s Headquarters. The Ministry has made it clear that any delays or failures in reporting will not be tolerated as they move forward with full implementation of the policy.
This new approach is poised to create a more supportive educational framework, emphasizing not only academic success but also the overall well-being of students.
Leave a comment