[ad_1]
By Ntando Makhubu 
1 hour ago
Pretoria: Experts in the education sector have mixed opinions on the decision to increase the scores for the 2020 end-of-year exams in grades 4-9 by 5%. But, the education department said, help was needed extra to ensure that deserving children did not suffer further after an already stressful school year.
The department sent a circular to all schools, giving them permission to increase grades by up to five percent in up to three subjects, and an additional one for math, to help students move on to the next grade.
This is an increase from the additional 2% that was available last year, and this change is attributed to disruptions caused by the Covid19 pandemic.
The adjustment should be noted on the report, so the next grade teachers are aware and can adjust their teaching accordingly.
“Missing more than five months of education for many would mean class congestion, seeing many suffer academically, and long-term stress, even when they could easily have achieved their desired grades,” said the general director of the Department of Basic Education, Hubert. Mathanzima Mweli.
He said that adjustments and forgiveness passes were a normal aspect of progression and were used as a special waiver, to avoid possible high retention of students in the lower grades.
“In 2020, due to disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic and related learning losses, especially for students in grades 4-9, these special dispensations apply,” he said.
Divergent views were issued following the circular following the resumption of teaching in September, with the news greatly relieved by some but frowned upon by others who are concerned about the long-term implications.
It instructs schools to progress students to the next grade in 2021 through a “waived” pass and applies to students who would have passed. In the case of math, ninth grade students who were tolerated and achieving less than 30% in math should still be able to take math in 10th grade next year.
“Students who are excused must have their math grade indicated in their grading schedule, and the letter ‘C’ will be present next to the mark to show that the grade was passed.”
Mary Metcalfe, a senior research associate at the University of Johannesburg, said the decision was correct as students needed all the support they could get to pass.
“They will have to catch up with lost time and the process will take several years. They must be supported and with minimal stress, which takes into account different environments, including studying at home ”.
He also believes that teachers should have the flexibility to make the decisions they consider appropriate: “They are in the best position to judge whether, after all, the learning context of the next grade will be able to support them.”
However, academic professor Lungie Tseola is of the opinion that the circular was an order that assumed schools, and educators in particular, had no idea of ways to ensure that it was passed when possible.
“The schools knew during the lockdown that they would face this, so they surely came together and devised strategies to mitigate each and every negative outcome,” he said.
Pretoria News
[ad_2]
