Evaluation Minus Exams Soon

By V. Vasudevan; Ais Ibrahim; R.S. Kamini

A NEW non-exam-oriented evaluation system will be introduced at the end of the month as part of the National Education Blueprint.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the National Examination Board was assessing the new evaluation system to be implemented at cluster schools.

This is part of the second strategic thrust under the blueprint to create a more holistic evaluation system for human capital- building at school level.

The approach is expected to create an all-rounder, without focusing too much on exams.

Speaking at the parliament lobby yesterday, Hishammuddin said the ministry expects to see gradual changes to the national education system.

Some of the changes include the introduction of fewer subjects in cluster schools, changing school terms to semesters and assessment of students in all aspects including special skills, general ability and academic achievement.

“All this is connected to the first and second thrust of the blueprint aimed at creating individuals with their own identity and values,” he said.

The five-year National Education Blueprint (2006-2010) has six thrusts: Building “Bangsa Malaysia”, developing human capital, strengthening national schools, narrowing the education gap between rural and urban schools, uplifting the teaching profession and pushing for educational institution excellence.

He said the selection of 30 cluster schools or excellent schools at the end of the month will boost the national education system.

These schools are the pioneers to the planned 300 excellent schools nationwide and will have the advantage of assuming a more elite status by the end of the year.

The schools would also enjoy a flexible curriculum and school hours, have well-qualified teachers and will be given the opportunity to specialise in fields like arts or sports.

Hishammuddin said the ministry will not marginalise the national- type schools or rural schools.

Instead, it will be based on their management, achievement and potential to produce students who can compete with high-achievers in other countries.

“The autonomy given to these schools allows them to create a niche, but with this freedom comes great responsibility.”

The success of these cluster schools, however, will depend on the teachers, the parents and the school heads’ ability to cope with the changes.

“The playing field and the education field is not level and we hope to turn that around by 2010,” he said.

Earlier, at the Dewan Rakyat, Hishammuddin said the blueprint, at the end of the day, created a level playing field for all students.

He was replying to Datuk Mahadzir Mohd Khir (BN-Sungai Petani).

To a supplementary question from Teng Boon Soon (BN-Tebrau), Hishammuddin said there was no need to establish a reward system for students who excel as the blueprint pays equal attention to all aspects.

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