60,000 Primary School Teachers Retrained to Handle Junior Secondary Education.
The government has implemented measures to ensure readiness for Grade Nine, including the distribution of textbooks by December, confirming over 46,000 intern teachers, and recruiting 20,000 new intern teachers for junior schools.
Approximately 60,000 primary school teachers have been retrained to handle junior secondary education. Strategic initiatives are also in place to support senior education under CBC, with ongoing assessments to ensure senior schools meet standards for Grade 10 hosting.
“Over 46,000 intern teachers confirmed, and 20,000 new intern teachers are being recruited for junior schools. There are 60,000 primary school teachers retooled to teach in junior school,” said Mr Ogamba.
Investments in classrooms, laboratories, and learning facilities are being made to accommodate the expanded curriculum and co-curricular activities.
Teacher Preparedness and Training Gaps
In 2019, the Kenya National Union of Teachers conducted a study on teacher preparedness for CBC implementation.
It recommended comprehensive training programs to equip educators with the necessary skills for the curriculum shift. Key areas needing attention included delivery of content in specific learning areas, assessment using rubrics, and effective evaluation of learners.
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However, the findings revealed that teachers struggled with grasping critical components of the curriculum.
Universities continue to train teachers using outdated secondary school subject combinations, rendering them ill-equipped for the middle-school-focused JSS curriculum.
Teachers posted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) lack the necessary competencies for subjects such as Pre-Technical Studies and Integrated Science.
Shortfalls in Teacher Deployment and Subject Specialization
The TSC has not adequately addressed teacher shortages, assigning between one and three teachers per JSS regardless of subject specialization.
This limited deployment results in an overwhelming workload, diminishing the quality of education. Some teachers resort to guesswork when teaching subjects they were not trained for, highlighting the need for middle school-specific teacher training.
Primary school teachers, who have taught these learners in earlier grades, often step in to implement the curriculum, especially under the leadership of comprehensive school heads.
Many of these teachers have undergone TSC’s tooling and retooling programs, making them better equipped than fresh university graduates.
Gaps in Leadership and Mentorship
A report by the Education Ministry in March 2024 revealed that most school leaders, at both primary and secondary levels, lack the capacity to mentor teachers on CBC career pathways, assessments, and learning frameworks.
They also struggle to interpret curriculum designs or integrate ICT into teaching. This leadership gap hampers effective CBC implementation, leaving teachers without proper guidance.
The Education Ministry acknowledged the need to improve infrastructure, provide adequate teaching and learning materials, and sensitize local communities on their roles in CBC.
The report emphasized the urgency of addressing policy gaps and increasing funding to support the curriculum. However, progress in these areas has been slow, undermining the overall implementation of CBC.
Recommendations for Improving CBC Implementation
To address these challenges:
- Teacher Training and Deployment: The TSC should prioritize employing teachers trained specifically for middle school education. Teachers who have undergone tooling and retooling for Grades 1 to 6 should be engaged in JSS teaching.
- School Leadership: Comprehensive training for school leaders on CBC curriculum designs, assessment methods, and mentorship is essential.
- Infrastructure Development: Laboratories, libraries, and technical tools must be established to facilitate practical learning.
- Policy and Funding: Streamlining policies and increasing financial support will ensure smooth curriculum implementation.
The Road Ahead
By 2025, Grade 8 learners will transition to Grade 9, marking the culmination of JSS. At this stage, learners are expected to choose from three career pathways: Arts and Sports Sciences, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
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It is imperative that learners are adequately prepared to navigate these pathways, ensuring they contribute effectively to the future workforce and national development.
The government bears the responsibility of providing the necessary curriculum, infrastructure, and trained personnel to achieve this goal.
60,000 Primary School Teachers Retrained to Handle Junior Secondary Education
