Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa: Challenges Beyond Primary Education

1. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Parallel Session 7A: Assessment Uganda Secondary Education and training Curriculum, Assessment and Examination (CURASSE) Presenter: Harriet Nannyonjo Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

2. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Problem statement • Surge in post primary enrolment arising out of rapidly increasing numbers of primary graduates (from UPE program) • Unit costs of secondary education too high to sustainably increase coverage with good quality • Need to deliver skills compatible with economic growth and labor market demands Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

3. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Research methodology • Based on visits to schools • Discussions with MOES officials and other stakeholders • Workshop with Ugandan educators, head teachers and teachers • A survey among stakeholders (head teachers, teachers, NCDC, UNEB, MOES,NCST) Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

4. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Main results • High unit cost mainly arising from teaching and examining many subjects (40) and how this is managed • Overload resulting from adding content without creating room for it • Large variations in access and quality countrywide • Assessment mainly focused on knowledge acquisition and skills largely not assessed. Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

5. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Main lessons learned • Redesign should be dynamic to allow for future changes. • Curriculum and assessment should be sensitive to a wide range of abilities • Reducing cost requires a multifaceted strategy only part of which is directly linked to curriculum. Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

6. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Conclusions: Main messages • Cost considerations should be taken into account during curriculum design – how can unit costs be reduced in order to achieve increased access in sustainable a sustainable manner? • Broad consensus on curriculum reform would help to neutralize resistance and ensure success of reform. • Aligning with international benchmarks will help countries to keep pace with global trends. Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education