The Ministry of Education yesterday hosted a virtual consultation with 739 Grade Six teachers from both private and public schools to discuss the writing of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
A press release from the Ministry of Education (MoE) stated that several teachers shared their views on the matter and made meaningful recommendations on how they believe the Ministry should address the matter. Some of the options discussed included having students write the full examination on content right up to Grade Six or the full examination but on content up to Grade Five. The meeting also examined the option of not having children write Papers I and II, or have them write both papers but with reduced questions. It was also recommended that students can complete projects as a means of assessment.
According to information provided to this newspaper by a teacher who wished to remain anonymous, a poll with questions and options was provided in the meeting and the option to have students be given the full paper but on content up to Grade Five garnered the most votes. Previously, the minister had said that most teachers have told the ministry that learners have completed their syllabus up to Grade Five.
The MoE also stated that Manickchand said that the Grade Six examination is being dealt with first and that whatever decision is made will also be guided by the trajectory of the COVID-19 virus and the advice given by the Ministry of Health. According to the release, Manickchand hopes the New Year will bring a higher degree of certainty as the Ministry addresses the issues faced by the sector particularly in a COVID-19 environment. It further stated that she said that in 2020, there were several opportunities to lead and do things differently as the sector adjusted and implemented measures to prevent as much learning loss as possible. The release also said that Manickchand thanked teachers who have stepped up during this time to ensure that their students continue to be engaged despite the challenges.
Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson also gave remarks. He said that the Ministry of Education prides itself in consultations and “we never seek to move without knowing the views of our partners and stakeholders.”
Additionally, he said that the Ministry recognizes the importance of primary education and has done many things to reach children so that they remain engaged as much as possible.
He explained that timetabled content for all grades is being aired on the Guyana Learning Channel while the Broadcasts to Schools and the Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) programmes continue to be aired on the radio.
Dr Hutson noted that the meeting hosted by the ministry should be seen as a response to concerns that have been raised by parents and teachers over time, regarding the writing of the NGSA. The meeting is important, he said, so that officers in the Ministry can know what the relevant stakeholders and partners are thinking on the issue so that any decision made going forward can be well informed.
Consultations are expected to continue today. The ministry will be meeting virtually with parents and guardians of students scheduled to write the NGSA this year. Parents and guardians of regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and Georgetown, will be hosted at 10.00am while parents and guardians of regions 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, will be engaged at 1.00pm. Parents are asked to contact their schools for login details.
