The new grading is one of the most puzzling elements of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBE) which has replaced the old 8-4-4 system, and has introduced numerous changes to both parents and educators. Gone are the easy A-E letter grades and emphasis on one end-of-year test.
Instead, CBE takes a more holistic approach in evaluating the progress of a learner. This resource simplifies the CBE grading system and how it functions as well as the reason behind its existence, which is to help every child realize his or her potential.
The Essential Ideology: More Than Textbook Learning.
The basic objective of CBE assessment is to eliminate the practice of ranking children according to their memorizing and regurgitating of information. Instead, it is a repetitive measure of the accomplishment of specific competencies-the set of skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required to achieve success in life by a learner.
This is to say that your child is not only tested on his or her knowledge, but on what he can do with it.
The Two Principles of Evaluation in CBE.
The CBE grading system is based on two complementary forms of assessment:
1. The first assessment is school-based assessment (Formative Assessment).
This is the ongoing assessment which occurs daily in the classroom. It comprises a larger part of the grading, and it is performed by the teacher. Its purpose is to:
l Keep track of learning during the term.
l Determine the areas where a learner is under performing at an early stage.
l Contribute to the improvement of the learner.
What is assessed?
Written activities: Short test and assignments, class quizzes.
Practices: experiments with science, artistic work, musical performances.
Oral exams: Classroom work, recitations and presentations.
Portfolios: A set of work that the learner produces over time in order to demonstrate progress.
Projects: Single and group projects, particularly in Junior School (e.g. the Grade 6 Community Service Project).
2. Summative Assessments
They are national exams, the results of which are considered at the conclusion of some stages to assess the general success of learning outcomes. The most important summative assessments include:
Grade 6: This marks the conclusion of Primary Education.
Grade 9 Examination: Finalizes Grade 9 of the Junior School and will determine placement in Senior school programs.
Grade 12 (Tertiary Education Exam): Is the final year of Senior School and will see who to place in university and TVET.
How is the Grading Done? The 4-Point Scale
CBE does not use percentages or letters to assess the level of mastery of a specific competency or task but rather a 4-point scale is applied.
Here is what each point means:
Subject score | Grade point | Description (Rating) | Meaning
|
75- 100 | 4 | Exceeds Expectations | The learner has outgrown the demanded competency. They are able to imaginatively transfer the skill/knowledge into new and unrecognized situations. |
50 - 74 | 3 | Meets Expectations | he learner has managed to meet the competency successfully. They are able to transfer the skill/knowledge consistently and with accuracy as expected. |
25 - 49 | 2 | Approaches Expectations | The learner is near mastery of the competency, but is not yet persistent or precise. They should be supported and practiced a bit more. |
0 - 24 | 1 | Below Expectations | The learner is not yet competent. They are not doing very well and need the teacher to offer them a great deal of additional support and intervention. |
What about Report Cards?
There will be no total mark such as A or 75%. Rather, the report card will display a break down of these grade points among-st the different learning areas (subjects) and core competencies (such as critical thinking, communication, citizenship). This provides you with the accurate account of the strong and weak points of your child in each particular area.
Why the Change? Major Advantages of CBE Grading System.
a. Eliminates Exam Anxiety: 80% of the evaluation is not a must because the stress of one make-or-break exam is dramatically diminished.
b. Eliminates Learning Holes At An Early Stage: Teachers will be able to identify any learning challenges right away and offer individualized attention, so that no child is left behind.
c. Develops Talents: A child who is good in Art or Sports and poorly in Math will have his gifts identified and praised, which will build his self-esteem.
d. Creates a Whole Person: The system is oriented toward creating a well-rounded person rather than an academic student by measuring values and attitudes (such as collaboration and creativity).
Meaning of CBET (Competency-Based Education and Training)
You are also likely to come across the term CBET. This is the one applied in TVET institutions (Technical and Vocational Education and Training). The rules are similar, emphasizing work-related, practical skills, but it is specific to vocation training such as masonry, hairdressing, or electrical engineering.
The CBE grading system is intended to be a more equitable, comprehensive, and accommodating method of assessing a child. It understands that each child is unique and will not learn in the same speed. Being a parent or teacher, it is important to know about this system in order to help your child through their learning process, not just the result of a final exam.
More questions about CBE? You can also use our other parent and teacher resources on edubora.co.ke to keep informed and able to navigate the new era of Kenyan education.
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