Parents give MoE failing grade for scrapping UPSR, say kids studied for nothing

KUALA LUMPUR – The sudden cancellation of two major exams is not going down well for some parents and students who have been preparing for them since the start of the school term in January. 

The decision by the Education Ministry is being seen as haphazard, and shows the lack of planning on its part. On April 28, Education Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin had said the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination for Year 6 pupils would be abolished starting this year while Form 3 Assessment (PT3) for 2021 has been cancelled.

Some parents said many of them have been sending their children for tuition as preparation for their exams.

While Radzi gave his assurance that both exams would be replaced with an enhanced school-based assessment (PBS), Rohana Sidek said her daughter has been diligently preparing for the UPSR, bolstered by tuition classes to bridge the gap left by the lack of face-to-face learning.

Her sentiments are echoed by a parent who only wanted to be known as Selvi. Her daughter was supposed to sit the UPSR this year.

“How can there be effective continuous assessment, especially when teachers are not be able to meet students and online classes have been irregular. Yet, the education minister said the assessment includes classroom activities as well as co-curricular activities and sports. 

“Yes, they want to do away with the exam mentality but why now during the Covid-19 pandemic? It also feels like the ministry lacks planning,” she said, expressing frustration with the announcement’s timing.

Parents Mohd Rizal and Lim Swee Lin, both with children who were preparing for the PT3 exam, said the ministry’s decision was not well-planned, considering the school term started in January and the students are midway into their preparation.

Meanwhile, retired Nadarajah Chelliah, who has been a headmaster for 13 years, also criticised the sudden decision.

“The UPSR has been abolished haphazardly and seemingly without planning – and in the middle of a school term no less – catching many parents off guard. Many are unhappy with the short notice.

“Schools and parents would have planned for the exams since the beginning of the year and it has all gone to waste.”

More time needed for change

Kaliammal Shumugam, who runs a tuition centre and has 25 years’ teaching experience, said although school-based assessments are the way forward, time is needed to successfully implement such a system.

“No doubt countries, such as Finland, have a school-based assessment system, and this is the way forward. It takes time to implement and they only have 15 to 20 students in a class.

“The head teacher is assisted by a support teacher who helps her assess the development of the child on a daily basis,” said Kaliammal, comparing the size of classes in schools here, numbering about 30 to 40 students.

“Moreover, teachers are burdened with paperwork for each student. Yes, Western countries do not favour exams but this is because they have had effective systems in place over the years and are well-equipped with resources to monitor their students.

“With the PT3, parents can find out the weaknesses of their children and take steps to correct them. Waiting until the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) to do so is too late.”

Cheryl Ann Fernando, who heads a pilot school leadership programme for 24 schools here and in Selangor, known as GSL, welcomed the abolishment of centralised exams.

“I think for many years, there have been discussions around the abolishment of centralised exams, so this decision is certainly welcomed. It is also very timely, given the pandemic.

“I think removing these exams will allow students to focus more on learning and developing mastery in certain subjects, instead of studying for exams.

“The ministry has also implemented the school-based assessment a few years ago and I think this allows for more focused learning and helps a child develop their full potential in school.

“If anything, the pandemic has shown us that having centralised exams is not pandemic-proof and will not allow for meaningful learning.” – The Vibes, April 30, 2021