Parents and Teachers Achieve Significant Gains as Education Ministry Reverses Stance on Mathematics in Senior Schools

Parents and Teachers Achieve Significant Gains as Education Ministry Reverses Stance on Mathematics in Senior Schools

Julius Ogamba, who serves as the cabinet secretary for education, has declared a noteworthy alteration in the mathematics policy for senior secondary schools. The Ministry has rescinded a previous decision that allowed students the option to discontinue mathematics courses based on their selected fields of study.

“Mathematics will be mandatory across all three pathways at the senior school level,” stated Ogamba. While students in alternative pathways will engage with a reduced form of mathematics, STEM students will be required to study pure mathematics.

This announcement was conveyed on Thursday morning during the National Conversation on Competency-Based Curriculum. The CS acknowledged that the earlier policy, which rendered mathematics optional, had induced significant distress among educators and parents alike.

KICD collaborated with ministry officials to reformulate the mathematics curriculum structure. The updated model ensures that students from the Arts, Sports Science, and Social Sciences tracks receive appropriate mathematics instruction.

Under the previous CBC framework, senior secondary education was divided into three distinct pathways. Students who opted for majors in social sciences, arts, or sports science were able to entirely bypass mathematics. Julius Bitok, the principal secretary, supported the ministry’s latest directive regarding mathematics.

He confirmed that all senior high schools would promptly adopt the changes. The ministry will introduce differentiated mathematics curricula tailored to various pathways. STEM students are still mandated to study pure mathematics, while other students will be provided with modified materials.

The ministry’s determination to maintain mathematics as a fundamental subject was positively received by educators. The announcement addressed growing concerns regarding potential deficiencies in students’ mathematical skills.

PS Bitok emphasized the importance of mathematics in maintaining educational standards. The ministry intends to provide the necessary support to schools for the effective implementation of the updated curriculum.

CS Ogamba offered assurances to stakeholders about the ministry’s commitment to high-quality education. The modifications aim to address public concerns and enhance educational outcomes in Kenya. The Education Ministry continues to tackle broader issues related to the implementation of the CBC.

Infrastructure development and teacher training initiatives remain high on the list of priorities. School administrators were directed to adjust their curriculum planning accordingly. To bolster the mathematics program across all pathways, the ministry committed to increasing funding.