Ministry of Education Replaces DPTE and DECTE With New DTE Program.
The Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and primary school teaching programs have been consolidated into a unified curriculum called the Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE).
This new program replaces the previous Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) and Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE), creating a single three-year course.
Entry qualification for DTE remains a minimum grade of C (plain) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Program Implementation and Employment
Starting in September of this year, Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) will begin admitting students into the DTE program.
Graduates from the program will be eligible for registration by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to teach in nursery schools, specifically Pre-Primary 1 and 2 (PP1 and PP2), as well as Grades 1 to 6 in primary schools.
Upon obtaining a TSC number, these teachers will have the opportunity to seek employment either under the county government or the national government, via the TSC.
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A key aspect of this reform is ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and sensitized about the changes.
It is crucial that all relevant parties, including institutions and educators, are adequately prepared for the transition to the DTE program.
Educational Reforms and National Framework
The reforms come as part of the recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER).
According to the PWPER report, teacher tutors are expected to equip future educators with essential pedagogical skills and knowledge.
However, the report pointed out the absence of a central institution responsible for setting national standards for teacher education, highlighting the need for a cohesive national framework to standardize these qualifications.
The report further observed that micro-teaching—where trainees practice teaching to hone their skills—remains inconsistent across institutions due to varying structures and approaches in colleges.
This inconsistency has led to challenges in standardizing practicum assessments, making harmonization necessary. Addressing this will ensure that all colleges develop competent teachers equipped to deliver the new curriculum effectively.
Future Reforms
The ongoing and proposed reforms, if fully implemented, will enhance teacher training, making it more structured and efficient.
As a result, teacher training colleges will be better positioned to attract and nurture educators capable of leading the curriculum changes envisioned in the educational reforms.
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Summary of Key Changes:
| Previous Program | New Program | Duration | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| DECTE (Early Childhood) | Diploma in Teacher Education | 3 Years | C (plain) in KCSE |
| DPTE (Primary School) |
