GES keeps distorting the academic calendar – NAGRAT fumes
The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has expressed worry about the fact that the academic calendars and periods are being toyed with.
This was after the group opposed calls for the rescheduling of vacation date for all basic schools to December 17th 2021 to make way for the National Standardized Test to be carried out for Primary four pupils.
Already the Ghana National Association of Teachers has criticized the Ghana Education Service over lack of communication regarding especially the rescheduling of the vacation.
“It looks like at every twist and turn, they will have to do something to change the calendar of the schools and this is really disorganizing schools and students themselves.”
Mr Carbonu complained that per the academic calendar available the Basic Schools were expected to vacate by December 10 but the changes now will affect their planning adversely which does not augur well for teaching and learning.
He suggested that it would have been better for it to take place when academic work resumes in January.
But the Education Ministry is defending its stance as its Spokesperson Mr Kwasi Kwarteng insists that key stakeholders were consulted before the decision was taken.
“We are not disputing the fact that someway somehow, the date should have been communicated earlier, but it wasn’t deliberate,” he added.
“It is not as though the Ministry of Education is insensitive and someway somehow we want to punish teachers.”
With regards to the logistics, Mr. Kwarteng indicated that all was set for the National Standardised Test to take place.
“The schools are very much aware. The centres are already prepared. Data from the students that will be writing the exams, including their teachers, have been collated. The only thing left is with the administration of the exams.”
The exam will test the literacy and numeracy skills of 561,000 students at 2,609 examination centres.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
