SIBU: Pertubuhan Aspirasi Guru Sarawak (PAGS) recently convened an Education Webinar aimed at discussing the prospective General School Assessment System in Sarawak.
In a statement issued today (Nov 19), the association said the initiation of the assessment framework for schools in Sarawak is currently at the proposal phase.
Consequently, the webinar served as a platform to engage stakeholders, including teachers, parents, teacher unions, and pertinent agencies, to gather input and insights.
They said that the assessment needs to be systematic, equitable, and fair in testing students’ mastery levels. “Although the proposal and intention have been delivered to the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MoE), further discussions are required.
“The primary purpose of this assessment is to assist schools and students with unsatisfactory performance, allowing for early intervention. Aid such as funds, teacher expertise, and facilities will be provided to support these schools.
“While the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results provide a State Average Grade to identify schools in need of assistance, the abolishment of UPSR has left no measure for Primary Schools to identify those requiring intervention,” said the statement.
They said the general assessment will also help evaluate the effectiveness of the Sarawak Dual Language Programme (DLP).
“The programme has been running for four years and requires a comprehensive evaluation. It is viewed with a critical eye, considering Sarawak’s significant investment in the DLP agenda.
“The mastery of the 3Ms (reading, writing, and arithmetic) will also be assessed in this general assessment to assist students before entering Secondary School.
“The policies and practices implemented in the United States, such as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), serve as a guide and framework for the introduction of this assessment,” they added.
They clarified that the essence of the general assessment is rooted in providing aid, interventions, and an avenue for continuous improvement for schools, rather than fostering comparisons among educational institutions.
“The General Assessment is administered by an independent body, and its results are recognized nationally and internationally to facilitate students’ continuation of schooling.
“The existing curriculum remains until the development of a new curriculum in 2027. It is centrally administered to ensure integrity and authenticity.
“Teachers will not be burdened, and their work will not overlap with the introduction of this General Assessment as it will be carried out by a third party.
“The views and opinions of the community are needed to collectively realise the hopes and dreams of this General Assessment for the excellence of the children of Sarawak,” they added.
Having declared their full support towards the initiative, PAGS stressed that the assessment should not burden teachers and require support from MoE to ensure Sarawak’s policies prioritise the state and contribute to the sustainable excellence of Malaysia.
