Dear Editor,
It is important to note the recent report of the suspension of 22 Headmasters and teachers in Attock due to poor performance in Class IX exams than just the disciplinary measure. When schools fall short of the expectations of their students, accountability is needed, however, when examination results are used as a measure of where support is needed in the education system is required.
Out of 42 schools, the report added, nine school heads were contacted for explanations and heads of hearing notices were sent to 42 schools. It also identified issues that teachers expressed with regard to the lack of subject specialists in their schools and the substandard levels of basic skills possessed by the students when they started secondary school. Whilst individual schools may have to take responsibility for their performance, the concerns should not be ignored.
The broader findings highlight the severity of the situation. Only 45,724 out of 121,739 candidates who appeared for Class IX examination were declared successful by the Rawalpindi Board, which means they had passed only 38 per cent. A high level of learning deficit can’t be resolved with punishment. There must be some academic support provided in order to be held accountable.
The education department should therefore, adopt a blend of accountability and specific plans for improvement. Schools with poor performance need to be supported by subject specialists, academically monitored regularly and have remedial classes for those who struggle in their lessons and have teacher mentoring. There is a need for monthly review of attendance, syllabus completion and student progress, and should be recognised schools that are making progress.
Most crucially, parents and communities need to be told about progress made at school in simple, readily-available reports. The aim should not be to increase the proportions of pupils who achieve a good proportion of examinations, but to achieve the expected level of knowledge and skills in each examination at every stage.
The current state of affairs in Attock could be a chance to create a more evidence-based and supportive accountability system for public schools.
Yours faithfully,
Sibt-ul-Hassan
Attock