1. Daily Nation Newspaper (Kenya): Friday, December 12, 2014
In Summary
The Cabinet Secretary for Education made a step in the right direction by abolishing the ranking. But a heated debate has emerged.
The proponents of the debate — mostly government officials — argue that ranking has led to examination malpractices, forcing learners to repeat classes and the registration of satellite schools where weaker students are registered as candidates.
The opponents — mainly teachers’ unions — argue that ranking encourages healthy competition, eliminates vices such as laziness, boosts the quality of education and is important in the appraisal of staff. Nothing could be further from the truth.
International schools abolished ranking ages ago. They believe that every child is unique and it is, therefore, unfair to rank him or her against other students of different abilities. This philosophy in my view justifies the banning of that patronising ranking.
Ranking rarely recognises a student’s participation in co-curricular activities whose importance cannot be overemphasized. Sports, art, business amass fortunes for individuals and their nations.
Ranking fails to recognise team players and leaves out many other valuable traits in individuals.
There are many educated fools out here, lacking common sense and good manners.
There are many educated fools out here, lacking common sense and good manners.
NJOROGE KIRATU, Nairobi.
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