KUCHING: The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) acknowledges and welcomes the positive response from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MoE) on MEITD’s proposal to draft its own assessment system.
The assessment system is to replace the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) for Year Six students in all government schools in the state.
Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said his ministry appreciates and welcomes the collaborative efforts of the MoE and the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) in providing valuable input for ongoing endeavours to raise the quality of education in Sarawak.
“It is essential for me to reiterate that our intention in introducing our own assessment system is not to burden teachers, parents, and students alike with undue stress.
“Instead, our primary goal is to put in place positive initiatives in shaping the future direction of education for our students,” he said in a statement today (Nov 2).
Sagah stressed that in light of the current Dual Language Programme (DLP), that is the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English, which MEITD has implemented in Sarawak, such an assessment is vital.
“The assessment will serve as a means to gauge the effectiveness of the DLP, as well as all other initiatives which we have put in place to increase uptake of STEM subjects in our schools.
“With the assessment in place, we will also be able to identify areas for improvement and implement interventions.”
The Tarat assemblyman said that the ministry is look forward to working closely with all stakeholders, especially the MoE and JPNS in making this initiative a success.
“I believe that together, we can create an education system that benefits the students and Sarawak, and the nation as a whole.”
Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that her ministry will give its input to the Sarawak government regarding the proposal to draft its own assessment system to replace the UPSR for Year Six students in all government schools in the state.
She said that the proposal is in line with MoE’s desire to ensure the holistic assessment and strength of the education system and not just based on examinations.
“We always consider Sarawak as an example among the states that place emphasis on education. If the framework to be developed is aimed at strengthening assessment, we will certainly support it because it is the direction of the MoE which is holistic development (through) assessment, not examinations.”
