KUPPET, a teachers’ union in Kenya, is proposing a significant change to junior secondary education. Their plan suggests keeping Grade Seven students in elementary school while moving Grades Eight and Nine to high schools. This differs from the current practice of having all three junior secondary years in elementary schools.JSS learning review and teaching.
The union argues against the one-year introduction to junior secondary school, stating it has been poorly executed. They call for an investigation into how well teachers are implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in junior secondary schools. KUPPET’s proposal coincides with their 25th-anniversary celebration.
Notably, KUPPET urges the government to hire thirty thousand teachers if Grade Eight remains in elementary school. They express concern about the shortage of trained instructors in junior secondary schools, citing inexperienced teachers and a lack of subject expertise. KUPPET criticizes the government’s reliance on intern teachers for CBC implementation, creating what they describe as a chaotic learning environment.
JSS learning review and teaching.The union blames Parliament for inadequate planning for the transition and emphasizes the financial burden on parents. Silas Obuhatsa, National Parents Association chairman, suggests improving elementary school infrastructure instead of moving Grade 8 instruction to high schools.
In conclusion, KUPPET’s proposal seeks to streamline junior secondary education by dividing students between elementary and high schools. They highlight issues with the current system, including the poor implementation of the one-year introduction and challenges with CBC.
The union’s call for teacher recruitment, concerns about inexperienced instructors, and criticism of relying on interns reflect broader issues in the education system. Financial implications for parents are also a focal point, with a suggestion to invest in upgrading elementary school facilities for a smoother Grade 8 transition.