Education Ministry’s Annual Report points to lack of policy, rise in school dropouts
View(s):Even though the education sector has various policies in place, a National Education Policy for Sri Lanka has not been approved, the Education Ministry’s Annual Performance Report 2022 (general education) states.
“Actions are already being taken to introduce a new curriculum from the year 2024 that includes student-centered, project-based/experimental methodology; by identifying the existing exam-centered curriculum as a challenge,” the report reads.
The report stated that urgent solutions need to be found for the shortage of subject-related teachers, teacher shortage in remote area schools and in Tamil medium schools.
“It is expected to recruit eligible persons from graduates, Colleges of Education diploma holders currently serving in the public service, immediately to the teachers’ service. Vacancies of all services in the education sector will be systematically filled in the coming period,” the Ministry said.
Student assessment and evaluation methods will undergo modern changes to accommodate the new curriculum reforms from next year.
The report pointed out that necessary steps are being taken to establish a subsidised loan scheme for teacher trainees.
The report also stated that the Ministry is drafting a competency framework for Sri Lanka Teacher Advisors’ Service, Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service and Sri Lanka Teacher Educators’ Service.
The performance report also stated that the educational administrative process is to be digitalised, and a new information system is to be introduced, while an office automation system is to be introduced in zonal education offices.
A primary education development plan is to be implemented to improve basic reading and writing ability, and maths skills among children in primary grades.
Statistics in the report show a drop in the total number of students in government schools (14,748). Before the economic crisis in 2020 the number students in government schools was 4,063,685. However, the number reduced to 4,048,937 in 2021. The majority of dropouts were female students (10,918) from primary grades.
The Grade 5 Scholarship examination passing rate in 2022 stood at 82.97 percent, while GCE Ordinary Level examination passing percentage was 74.52 percent. Meanwhile, 63.53 percent of students who sat for the GCE Advanced Level examination qualified for university admission.
-NF
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!