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Report draws attention to weakness in education quality
The Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) issued a report lamenting the state of education in Ghana. While enrollments have gone up, the quality of education has gone down because of “increased access not matched by increased funding.”
The report’s findings were discouraging, finding the majority of pupils sampled in the Early Grade Reading Assessments (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessments (EGMA) were illiterate. ISSER director, Professor Felix Asante, expressed worry over the lack of interest in science and math at the tertiary level. He argued that “if pupils are provided with the opportunity to study science in rich learning environments, this can boost their interest and confidence in the subject so that they become good problem solvers at an early age.”
High expectations for the next government
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Citizens’ Manifesto released by The Financial Accountability and Transparency-Africa (FAT-Ghana). The Manifesto goes far beyond education policy and system improvements in its attempt to lay out expectations for the next government. While it’s worth taking a look at the entirety of “the concerns and wishes of Ghanaians,” I’ll just touch on education.
FAT-Ghana touched on teacher training, which is unsurprising given an apparent oversupply of “trained” teachers in a system where teacher-created problems are routinely documented. Additionally, the Manifesto called for increased access to proper infrastructure and teaching and learning aids. The list of expectations also called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen its monitoring and supervisory roles to ensure all public and private schools are in compliance with educational standards.
Computerized placements off to a good start
The GES has reported that initial evaluation of the 2016 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) indicates success. The system has been computerized since 2005; however, in years past, parents have complained about inefficiencies and problems that arise as a result of the computerization (e.g., when over 200 students at Wesley Girls High School were refused admission in 2015). This year looks different though, according to the GES Public Relations Officer, Reverend Jonathan Bettey. “We have not received any negative report from guardians, students, or anybody.”
Making progress
The National Inspectorate Board (NIB) revealed that teacher absenteeism had been reduced to seven percent. Moreover, eight out of the ten regions recorded single digit teacher absenteeism. While that may still seem high, it is an impressive improvement: “we have moved from 27 percent to 19 percent to 12 percent to 9 percent and to 7 percent,” explained Alex Kyeremeh, a deputy Minister of Education. Particularly strong performances came out of the Brong Ahafo and Upper East Regions, each reporting just 2 percent.
GNAT wants allowance back
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) expressed that it wishes the government would review its withdrawal of the teacher trainee allowance policy. The Acting National President of GNAT, Philippa Larsen, has said that the government skimped on shareholder consultation prior to making the decision and the result has led to “the watering down of teacher quality.” Bringing back the allowance, she claims, would help prioritize quality over quantity by ensuring that entry requirements are higher.
Fixing up SHS labs
The Jubilee Partners have refurbished the science lab at the Archbishop Porter Girls Senior High School in the Takoradi Metropolitan area. Jubilee Partners’ efforts have brought furniture and equipment so that every physics, chemistry, and biology unit is properly set up, better enabling the teaching and learning of science. This is not the first (or last) of such projects that Jubilee Partners has carried out. The Mfantsipim School in the Central Region has received the same support, and projects are currently underway at the Nkroful Agricultural School in the Ellembelle District and the Asuansi Technical School in the Central Region.
Also…
The Krobo Girls’ School celebrates its 90th birthday.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the GES teamed up to lead a de-worming exercise for children in all public schools this week.
UNICEF and GES organized a workshop in the Volta Region to promote regular hand washing.
The third annual UBA National Essay Competition has gotten underway for SHS students. This year’s topic: “Can young persons in leadership promote national development in Ghana?”
Ministry of Education (MOE) Minister gave a speech reaffirming emphasis on math and science.