By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 14: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the frequent changes involving the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) have caused confusion among teachers and students.
Speaking at the ‘Townhall 9 Tahun Bersama YAB Premier Sarawak’ at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here last night (Jan 13), Abang Johari said the abolition of UPSR followed by its reintroduction has left educators uncertain about teaching directions.
“I am confused. UPSR was abolished, and now it is being brought back. Teachers are confused, let alone the students,” he said.
He said teachers had previously adjusted to teaching without UPSR, only for the examination to be reintroduced later.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak already conducts its own Dual Language Programme assessment for Year Six students as part of the State’s education framework.
The Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme (UP-DLP) tests science, mathematics and English, with papers developed locally and verified to international standards in collaboration with Cambridge University Press and Assessment.
He also expressed concern over the current assessment model, saying students now go through schooling from Year Six to Form Five without sitting for major national examinations, relying instead on a pass-or-fail assessment.
According to him, this could affect students’ ability to develop writing and analytical skills in the long term.
“When they enter the workforce later, they may not even know how to write an essay,” he said. — DayakDaily
