Grade 9 Primary School Retention .
Grade 9 Primary School Retention . Grade 9 Learners to Stay in Primary Schools: Ministry’s Decision.
Presidential Working Party On Education Reforms
The Kenyan Education Ministry has announced its opposition to transferring grade 9 students to secondary schools. This aligns with the recommendations of various stakeholders. This ensures continuity of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) pilot program in grade 9 next year . This will dispell concerns about premature transition to secondary education. This has shed light to many who were waiting for this announcement to know the fate .
Belio Kipsang, the principal secretary for education, refutes claims that grade 9 students are unprepared for basic schools, emphasizing the commitment to quality education.
Infrastructure Development Underway
Despite primary schools lacking the necessary infrastructure for grade 9, the government has commenced the construction of 16,000 primary classrooms nationwide. Kipsang assures readiness for grade 9 implementation, citing Kenyan resilience in overcoming challenges.
Stakeholders’ Consensus
Kipsang reaffirms that housing Junior School in primary level aligns with stakeholders’ desires, as evidenced by consultations with the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms. This solidifies the decision to retain grade 9 in primary schools.
Ministry’s Decision Stands
Stakeholders advocating for grade 9 transfer to secondary schools face disappointment as the Ministry maintains its stance. This decision preserves the current structure of Junior School in elementary grades.
Concerns and Solutions
Silas Obuhatsa, Chairman of the National Parents Association, expresses concerns about the feasibility of accommodating grade 9 within existing primary schools. He suggests utilizing vacant classrooms in secondary schools to address the infrastructure challenge.
Challenges in Implementation
The implementation of junior secondary schools in Kenya faces obstacles due to insufficient space and teachers in primary schools, leading to operational inefficiencies and a lack of adequate guidelines.
Conclusion
By retaining grade 9 in primary schools, the Ministry aims to ensure a seamless transition within the education system, prioritizing the holistic development of learners.