KUCHING, Nov 2: The Federal Ministry of Education (MoE) has responded positively to Sarawak’s intitiative to introduce an independent assessment system for Year Six pupils in place of Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR).
Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn highlighted that Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek has given her support for the initiative.
“We appreciate and welcome the collaborative efforts of the MoE and Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) in providing valuable input for our ongoing endeavours to elevate the quality of education in Sarawak,” he said in a statement today.
Sagah emphasised that Sarawak’s intention to implement its own education assessment system is not to burden teachers, parents and students with undue stress. Rather, the primary objective is to establish affirmative measures in shaping students’ education trajectory.
“Such assessment is vital given that Sarawak is currently implementing the Dual Language Programme (DLP) for teaching Mathematics and Science in English.
“The assessment will serve as tool to gauge the effectiveness of the DLP, as well as all other initiatives which we have put in place to increase the uptake of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in our schools,” he explained.
Sagah highlighted that with the implementation of the assessment, his ministry could pinpoint areas for improvement and introduce necessary interventions.
MIETD expressed eagerness in working closely with all stakeholders, especially MoE and JPNS, in making this initiative a success.
“I believe that together, we can create an education system that benefits not only the students and Sarawak, but the nation as a whole,” Sagah said.
This initiative was proposed in response to MoE’s stance not to reinstate UPSR in Malaysia despite calls, especially from parents, for its revival as a benchmark for children’s achievement at the primary school level.
Fadhlina recently said that the ministry is concentrating on the 2027 School Curriculum Implementation Survey to develop the new school curriculum to ensure a brighter future in education. — DayakDaily
