Struggle of 2 JSS Teachers Teaching 70 Learners, 14 Subjects
The implementation of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) curriculum in Kenya has not been without challenges, despite the government’s assurances that the transition to the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is proceeding smoothly.
The JSS is a part of the CBC and was recommended by a taskforce set up by President William Ruto under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
This decision deviated from the plan of the former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, which intended to have JSS classes stationed in secondary schools.
Some schools and students have reported a difficult start to JSS, and a spot check by TUKO.co.ke at Rang’wena Primary and Junior Secondary School in Homa Bay county confirmed the learners’ concerns.
The headteacher, Elias Mondo, revealed that their Junior Secondary unit that had 70 learners only had two teachers, making comprehensive learning impractical.
He explained that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) posted only two teachers to the school, making it impossible for them to fully attend to the learners.
To address this issue, Mondo had to select other teachers with some knowledge of CBC components to assist the two teachers in educating the 70 learners.
He noted that since two teachers cannot teach all the 14 subjects, and they have some teachers with some knowledge on CBC, they agreed to assign pending subjects to ensure nothing set to be taught is left behind.
Despite these challenges, Mondo confirmed that he had not received any complaints of missed payments from the JSS teachers, making him believe that they are paid and in time.
He lauded the CBC curriculum for nurturing responsible development among learners and motivating them as they feel they are no longer in primary schools. However, he expressed concern that teacher shortage could make the gains unachievable.
In conclusion, the implementation of the JSS curriculum has faced challenges in some schools, including a shortage of teaching staff, despite the government’s assurances that the transition to the CBC is proceeding smoothly.
It is essential to address these challenges to ensure that learners receive a quality education that prepares them for their future.
While the CBC curriculum has its benefits, including nurturing responsible development among learners and motivating them, these gains could be unachievable without enough qualified teachers to effectively teach the curriculum.
The government needs to take action to ensure that the implementation of the JSS curriculum is successful and that learners receive the education they deserve.
