Education Evolution: Grade 9 Transition to Secondary Schools
Education Evolution: Grade 9 Transition to Secondary Schools. In the upcoming academic year, a notable development is expected as ninth-grade students may transition to secondary schools. This shift comes as the government explores solutions to address the persistent challenges confronting Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Notably, issues like a shortage of facilities (classrooms, libraries, and labs) and a lack of teachers have posed significant obstacles since the inception of the Competency-Based Curriculum for the first JSS learners.
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To mitigate these challenges faced by JSS, the government is contemplating the option of utilizing secondary schools. These secondary schools come equipped with furnished laboratories, libraries, and available classrooms. Left vacant by this year’s departing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates. Government sources suggest that the anticipated academic rigor in Grade Nine. Coupled with the goal of strengthening career paths for students. Necessitates a radical shift in the implementation of this new level of learning.
Pending approval, this decision would align with proposals presented by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet). According to Kuppet, only Grades Seven and Eight should remain in primary school. Moving Grade Nine to high school, the union argues that Junior Secondary School’s one-year implementation has encountered numerous problems and should be discontinued.
Highlighting the underutilized resources in secondary schools, including trained teachers and infrastructure, KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori stated, “We have a lot of underutilized resources in secondary schools while primary schools are struggling.” The union emphasizes the acute shortage of qualified teachers in junior secondary schools as one of the challenges affecting JSS.
Additionally, Kuppet points out that many teachers assigned to Junior School are either teaching for the first time, taking time to adjust, or lack subject mastery due to a shortage of teachers. This, in turn, leads to a chaotic learning environment. Kuppet officials also allege discontent among JSS teachers due to poor pay and recommend a comprehensive assessment of JSS. If approved, this move could signify a significant reshaping of the education landscape, emphasizing the need for a holistic solution to the challenges faced by Junior Secondary Schools.
Education Evolution: Grade 9 Transition to Secondary Schools.