CBC Cohorts to Grade 9.
CBC Cohorts to Grade 9.Challenges and Concerns Surrounding the Transition to Grade Nine in Kenya’s Education System.
  Introduction:
Kenya faces potential challenges as the first cohort of the Competency-based Curriculum (CBC) approaches Grade Nine. This is a pivotal stage where students decide on their career pathways.
Uncertain Pathways:
In Grade Nine, students must choose between Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Social Sciences; and Arts and Sports Science. However, a lack of exposure to essential facilities like laboratories raises concerns about their readiness.
Critical Decisions Amidst Uncertainty:
A year before students finalize their career decisions, there is no provision for basic learning facilities. There is a needs assessment to allocate pathways to schools is yet to be conducted. Educationists question the government’s delay in establishing criteria for placing Grade Nine learners in senior schools.
Teacher Preparation:
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) faces challenges in reorienting teachers for Grade Nine and senior schools under the new system. Shortages of teachers and subject mastery issues persist in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), posing a potential threat to a smooth transition.
Usawa Agenda’s Perspective:
Emmanuel Manyasa, Director of Usawa Agenda, emphasizes the urgency of addressing challenges such as facility shortages, inadequate training, and a lack of permanent teachers, which have hindered the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum since its inception.
Environmental Requirements for Grade Nine:
Manyasa underscores the need for furnished laboratories, libraries, and adequate classrooms to support Grade Nine learners in making informed career decisions.
Concerns Over Assessment Criteria:
Manyasa questions the government’s delay in clarifying the use of 20 percent of Grade 6 scores for placing students in Senior Secondary School (SSS). The confusion surrounding the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) raises doubts about the effectiveness of this approach.
Government’s Response:
Despite concerns, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu assures that preparations are underway. Plans include employing 20,000 teachers for Grade Nine and allocating funds for the construction of 6,000 classrooms, with additional support from the World Bank.
Curriculum Development Progress:
Machogu asserts that the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has prepared the curriculum for Grade Nine, and the development of learning materials is in progress, expected to be completed and distributed by July.
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Dispelling Infrastructure Concerns:
Machogu dismisses claims of relocating Grade 9 from JSS to SSS due to infrastructure concerns, emphasizing that the government is actively addressing challenges and moving in the right direction.
Conclusion:
As Kenya navigates the transition to Grade Nine, addressing infrastructure, teacher preparedness, and assessment criteria concerns remains crucial for the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
CBC Cohorts to Grade 9.
