National Education Forum Calls for Overhaul of Curriculum and Assessment Systems at All Levels

In a recent communique, the National Education Forum urged the government to embark on a thorough review of the curriculum and assessment systems across all educational levels. This recommendation comes amid growing concerns about the quality and accessibility of education in the country.

According to the forum, a primary focus must be placed on ensuring the relevance of what is being taught, along with providing adequate resources for curriculum implementation and assessment.

The communique, presented by Professor George K.T. Oduro, Chairman of the Forum’s Planning Committee, underscored the critical need for all stakeholders—especially parent-teacher associations, faith-based organizations, and alumni associations—to play a more active role in the educational process. The forum emphasized that the government must create a formal framework to regularize their involvement, boosting their effectiveness and fostering greater participation in shaping the educational landscape.

Another key issue addressed in the communique was the double-track system currently in place in secondary schools. This system, which was implemented to accommodate the growing number of students, has placed significant strain on teachers, students, and parents alike.

The forum stressed the importance of expanding school infrastructure to eliminate the need for the double-track system, which it views as a burden rather than a solution.

In addition to these structural concerns, the forum raised alarms about the poor quality and insufficient quantity of food served in secondary schools. The government, it suggested, must take immediate action to improve the quality of meals provided, as this is a fundamental aspect of student well-being that directly impacts their ability to learn.

The issue of discipline and examination malpractice in schools was another pressing concern highlighted in the report. The forum called on the government to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address the growing levels of indiscipline and cheating in exams, stressing the need for a collective effort to foster an environment of academic integrity and discipline.

One of the most significant findings of the forum’s report is the gap in access to quality education, particularly at the basic education level. According to the communique, many underserved communities, especially in rural areas, lack the necessary infrastructure, digital resources, school furniture, and even electricity to provide students with a conducive learning environment.

The forum called on the government to prioritize investments in these areas, with a specific focus on bridging the rural-urban divide in terms of access and quality of basic education.

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Furthermore, the forum identified a decline in the quality of basic education due to insufficient teaching resources, lack of teacher training, and management inefficiencies. It argued that these deficits have contributed to a widening disparity in educational outcomes between rural and urban areas.

In response, the forum urged the government to adopt a more deliberate approach to closing this gap by ensuring equal distribution of educational resources across the country.

To address the challenges faced by rural schools, the communique suggested the implementation of a decentralized teacher deployment system, aimed at ensuring that qualified teachers are placed in underserved areas. The forum also called for stronger school management and supervision through the adoption of national leadership standards and better teacher development programs.

Another major concern raised by the forum was the declining funding for basic education, exacerbated by the introduction of free secondary education. The forum pointed out that, in addition to inadequate funding, delays in the release of funds have hindered effective school management.

To rectify this, the government is urged to adopt an equitable framework for distributing educational funds, with a clear priority given to basic education, which forms the foundation of the entire education system.

The forum’s communique concluded with a call to place a strong emphasis on infrastructure, foundational learning, and the integration of digital learning facilities. These, it said, are key to ensuring that students are equipped for the future, as the world continues to evolve into a more digitally-driven society.

As part of its commitment to these recommendations, the National Education Forum plans to submit a detailed report to the President, outlining these challenges and proposed solutions. The government now faces the challenge of acting on these recommendations to create a more effective, equitable, and sustainable education system that meets the needs of all students, regardless of their background or geographic location.

In summary, the National Education Forum’s call for a comprehensive review of the country’s education system is both timely and necessary. By prioritizing resource allocation, improving infrastructure, and fostering greater stakeholder involvement, the government can make significant strides toward addressing the systemic issues that currently hinder educational progress.

The need for urgent action is clear, and with the right investments and strategies, the future of education in the country can be reshaped for the better.

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