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Changes
to schools system going ahead JVP members and Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Vijitha Herath in particular had voiced their strong objection to the School Management Scheme and the granting of "Degree Awarding Institution" status to private institutions, but the Cabinet had not come to a decision still. The Ceylon Teachers Services Union (CTSU) had met President Chandrika Kumaratunga who is the Education Minister, last Monday to discuss several matters but had not come to an agreement on School Based Management and School Based Assessment. CTSU General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe told The Sunday Times certain elements in the Government were trying to privatise education. He charged the 2002 Assessment Scheme was introduced to the GCE O/L classes and this year it was being introduced to A/L classes as well. Mr. Jayasinghe said his union will resort to trade union action if matters are not sorted out. The "Guidelines for School Level Planning" issued in October 2004 by Education Ministry Secretary Dr. Tara de Mel notes that introducing school based management for all schools is a priority of the Government. Under this five-year scheme each school is expected to compile a "School Development Plan" aimed at qualitative development while the Government had promised that it would ensure that necessary resources would be made available for the implementation of such plans. The Guidelines further state that to obtain grants, it was essential that each school should prepare the "Five Year Development Plan" from 2006-2010 and the Annual Working Plan for year 2006, as the Government has decided to provide grants to schools based on them. If necessary project plans to accomplish specific objectives in achieving the Five Year Development Plan and Annual Working Plan can also be formulated. The Guidelines define "School level planning" as each school setting up its special objectives after analysing and identifying its capabilities and disabilities and compiling programmes to accomplish them. Four vaguely defined outside parties, namely Governmental organisations, NGOs, job providers and well-wishers are introduced into the school system to participate in the process of "School Management". Each school is to set up a "School Planning Committee" depending on the size of the school with the principal as its head. The School Planning Committee has to formulate a "Mission Statement" and set goals and objectives with the agreement of all parties participating in the school planning process. The Committee is also vested with the authority to decide on the physical resources and infrastructure requirements of the school. The scheme is based on the fact that "One school is different from another. The nature and function of a school is decided on location, history, traditions, human and physical resources and leadership (of the school.)". |
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