KJSEA Pilot Program for Grade 8 Students Begins
The Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) is launching a pilot program on Monday for the new Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), targeting Grade 8 students.
This initial phase aims to refine the assessment process before its official administration to Grade 9 students in 2025. The trial is essential for evaluating the administration logistics and effectiveness of the KJSEA.
Knec CEO David Njengere highlighted that the data collected from these trials will help in refining the KJSEA.
He stated that the goal is to ensure a smooth transition for students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and to provide a comprehensive assessment of their academic abilities and interests.
This was discussed during a press briefing at New Mtihani House in Nairobi.
Pilot Program Details
The five-day pilot will involve 5,875 students from 235 schools across Kenya. This cohort includes 5,125 regular learners and 750 students with special needs. The pilot assessment will cover nine subjects, grouped into seven papers, which are:
- English
- Kiswahili
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Agriculture & Nutrition
- Religious Education
- Creative Arts & Sports
- Pre-Technical Studies
Assessment Structure and Implementation
Students will be assessed in a manner that contributes 60% to their final score, with the remaining 40% derived from class-based assessments.
Despite the importance of the KJSEA, Njengere emphasized the need to reduce the high stakes traditionally associated with national exams, transitioning towards a more competency-based evaluation.
The pilot assessment includes variations to accommodate different student needs. Most students will take a traditional written test, while 30 schools will participate in a virtual assessment to evaluate digital literacy skills.
For students with disabilities, the tests will be customized: those with mild disabilities will have modified tests similar to regular ones, while students with severe disabilities will undergo a Pre-vocational assessment focusing on practical life skills.
This marks the first time Knec is testing learners with severe disabilities.
Teachers from neighboring schools will administer the pilot test, and feedback will be collected to improve the assessment tools.
This feedback includes comments from subject teachers on the alignment of the assessment with learning objectives and its appropriateness for the students’ grade level.
School heads will also be surveyed on the overall administration of the assessment and teacher preparedness.
Additional Studies
Knec will also conduct a study to understand student interests through a learner questionnaire, gauging personality and academic preferences.
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Knec Director of Research and Innovation, Anne Ngatia, noted that the assessment outcomes will be critical for final reporting at the end of Grade 9 and for placement in Senior School.
The pilot program will thus serve as a comprehensive test run to ensure the successful national rollout of the KJSEA, aiming for a holistic and inclusive assessment system.
KJSEA Pilot Program for Grade 8 Students Begins
