Kenya Gears Up for Global Benchmarking: KNEC Rolls Out PISA Guidelines
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled fresh guidelines for learners and schools as the country gears up for participation in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a global education benchmarking initiative.
PISA, coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), evaluates the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students worldwide, focusing on reading, mathematics, and science. The aim is to provide data that helps countries improve their education systems.
Key Highlights of the New Guidelines
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Target Group: Students aged 15, regardless of their grade level.
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Selection Process: Random sampling of schools across the country to ensure representation.
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Testing Approach: Computer-based assessments to align with global standards.
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Subjects Covered: Reading literacy, mathematical literacy, and scientific literacy.
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Preparations: Schools are required to ensure learners are familiar with digital testing tools before the assessment period.
Why It Matters for Kenya
This marks a major step for Kenya in measuring its education system against international standards. According to KNEC, participating in PISA will enable the country to identify strengths and address weaknesses in its education policies and practices.
Education experts note that Kenya’s involvement could lead to reforms that better prepare students for the demands of a competitive global economy.
What Schools Need to Do
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Ensure ICT infrastructure is ready for online testing.
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Prepare teachers and students for the assessment framework.
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Cooperate fully with KNEC in the sampling and data collection process.
The PISA assessment is expected to take place later this year, with results to be published in the subsequent year. These results will offer critical insights into how Kenyan learners compare with their peers in over 80 participating countries.
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