Nakaseke District Local Government has initiated a competence test for 40 Primary Seven teachers from schools with below-average PLE results in response to concerns over low performance in the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE).
The teachers were unexpectedly summoned to Nakaseke Technical Institute in Butalangu Town Council for a meeting with district officials on March 13, 2024. Upon arrival, they were provided with special PLE past papers based on the subjects they teach.
The exam, administered by the district chairperson, Mr Ignatius Kiwanuka Koomu, aims to identify the underlying issues contributing to the poor academic outcomes in certain schools within the district.
Mr Koomu emphasized that the examination is not punitive but rather an opportunity to address the root causes of academic underachievement. The district recorded a PLE pass rate of 12.9% in Division 1, 57.9% in Division II, and 2.9% in Division III, with 276 candidates failing completely.
The district leadership had previously resolved to hold head teachers and classroom teachers accountable for poor academic performance. Remedial actions included potential demotion to deputy positions or even primary six class teacher roles for affected head teachers.
However, some educationalists caution against hasty conclusions, suggesting that various factors, such as infrastructure challenges and absenteeism, may contribute to poor performance. Mr Edmond Ssenseko, a retired District Education Officer, emphasizes the need for thorough investigation before drawing conclusions.
The initiative underscores the district’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring accountability within the teaching workforce.
