Rashid Al Auda Al Fadhli
The Supreme Education Council (SEC) has demonstrated a promising response by announcing the re-evaluation of correcting tests by going back to the proper old way of testing for two terms rated at 50 per cent each, using a separate book for each test starting from next year, God willing.
This used to be prevalent and has well accomplished the purpose before the application of the so-called national tests, which resulted in negative outcomes that outraged parents.
However, excluding the third, sixth and ninth grades from this new modification by keeping them under the old national tests is subject to objection again to make this decision partially fair and sound and partially incomplete and controversial, with expected rejection.
Whatever the reasons and justifications behind this strange and partial decision because the third grade was in the solution of this confusing procedure before and after its adoption in schools?
On the other hand, the solution should be implemented on all grades, taking into account the public interest. Are the students going to be tested using two books as well? Does it hurt to apply this modification in all grades?
If SEC generalises its decision, they will regain the lost trust of parents and students. However, it seems that the official assessment bodies are accustomed to creating havoc each academic year!
Why do we bring on ourselves such setbacks which make schoolchildren suffer? And then we look for solutions to secure an exit. Why don’t we practice “prevention is better than cure.”
It is true that the situation in this amendment brings us back to the right educational path, but we do not want that the late reawakening of the Board of Education officials comes with incomplete solutions below expectations.
Instead of separating the fifth and sixth grades from “model” curriculums, it would have been better to entirely replace model schools with primary schools for boys to address the problem at
its roots. It is worth mentioning here that this response was due to the pressure and objections of specialists, experts and leaders to become an issue of public opinion that we have dealt with through mass communication in a direct dialogue with the leaders of the Board of Education.
Therefore, I reaffirm the need to completely eliminate the national tests in a comprehensive manner and restore the proper suggested assessments announced by the evaluation officials for all grade levels without exception, so that our children enjoy better education. Students and parents should appreciate the schools, which will accomplish their unrealised ambitions that they
aspire for.
These schools should be problem free; we have consistently proposed achievable solutions that are easy to implement. Therefore, accomplishing desired hopes and goals in education, which is a main pillar, a message, the basis of development and the most important factor for the renaissance and progress of nations?
Media follow-up
Few days ago and during a brief visit to the country, I was pleased to meet with my dear brother and colleague, Ahmed Al Fadhli, a talk show star and the host of an outstanding programme in Al Adala Satellite TV. He was accompanied by an honourable guest.
I thank him for what he said about me in his fraternal message through his exciting programme, and his praise for what he received from hospitality and what he witnessed about our beloved country from progress and prosperity.
It is the duty of brotherhood and fellowship, and an expression of what binds us as sons of the Arabian Gulf from ties of kinship, mutual cooperation and common objective.
