UGANDA NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP TO PRESENT THE STUDY TO ESTABLISH FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR PERFORMANCE IN PRIMARY LEAVING EXAMINATIONS IN TESO REGION,

HELD IN ENEKUTRAININGVILLAGE MADERA- SOROTI, 5TH JUNE 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ACRONYMS

1.0.Background

1.1. Objectives

1. 2Opening Remarks

2.0Presentation of the Report

2.1.Methodology

2.2. Findings

2.3. Conclusion

2.4. Recommendations

3.0Discussions

4.0Resolutions

5.0Vote of thanks

6.0Closing remarks

7.0. Annex 1:

LIST OF ACRONYMS

CAOChief Administrative Officer

DEODistrict Education Officer

EFAEducation for All

MDDMusic, Dance and Drama

MSE/PrMinister of State for Education and Sports in Charge of Primary

PLEPrimary Leaving Examinations

NCDC National Curriculum Development Centre

UDHRUniversal Declaration of Human Rights

UNATCOMUganda National Commission for UNESCO

UNEBUganda National Examinations Board

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

UPEUniversal Primary Education

NRMNational Resistance Movement

USEUniversal Secondary Education

1.0.Background

A study to establish factors contributing to poor performance in Primary Leaving Examinations in Teso region was conducted in response to the growing concern over the poor performance of pupils in Teso over the years in comparison with other regions.Two Consultants, Dr. Silas Oluka and Dr. Charles Opolot-Okurut of the School of Education Makerere University were engaged by UNESCO to undertake the Study.

A one day workshop was organized on 5th July 2008 in Soroti to present the findings of the study to key education stakeholders of the region.

1.1 Objectives

The objectives of the workshop were:

  • To bring the education stakeholders together to receive and validate the report.
  • To engage the education stakeholders in enrichingthe report and charting a way forward.

1.2Opening Remarks

1.2.1The workshop started at 10:30 am with welcome remarks by Mr. Mukose Jonathan, the Acting Chief Administrative Officer Soroti. Mr. Mukose expressed gratitude to the National Commission for UNESCO for funding the study that is meant to address the causes of poor performance in Primary schools in Teso. He lamented the poor performance of Teso schools and emphasized that Headteachers are held accountable for performance in their schools.

1.2.2.The Secretary of Education and Health, Soroti District Local Government, Ms.BeatriceAnyumel on behalf of Soroti District Local Government welcomed participants to the workshop. She thanked the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO for organizing the study andworkshop. She attributed poor performance in education in Teso to a number of factors that need to be addressed by the Ministry at the top level. These included the fact that some schools to date have not been graded,the staff ceiling is too rigidand the ratio of pupils to teachers is high in nearly all the schools in Teso region.

1.2.3.The Secretary General of Uganda NationalCommission for UNESCO, Mr. Augustine Omare- Okurut in his remarks said that education is the key to every thing in life. He noted that UNESCO as the specialized UN agency for education is concerned about the quality of education. As a catalystfor change, UNESCO supported this study with the hope that the problems of poor performance in Teso schools will be addressed.He gave a background to the study as arising from the continuous low percentage passes and high failure rates at Primary Leaving Examinations in schools in Teso.This prompted the proposal and subsequent funding from UNESCO Nairobi Office of this study.He thanked the researchers Dr. Silas Oluka and Dr. Charles Opolot-Okurut for accepting to undertake the study amidst their busy schedule. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of State of Education and Sports for gracing the workshop with his presence as Chief Guest.

1.2.4.Hon. Peter Lokeris, the Minister of State for Education and Sports in charge of primary education was happy to be amidst education stakeholders in Teso and hoped the workshop would go a long way in boosting the performance of primary education in Teso. He lamented that teachers from Teso are known nationwide as the best teachers and exported teachers to Karamoja, Sebei, Busoga and elsewhere. It is surprising that the performance of pupils in Teso is among the poorest in the country.

He further informed the stakeholders that Education is a human right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948.Uganda, he added, is also signatory to the UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education(1960). Education is a right for all, as recognized in the Uganda Constitution – Chapter 4 on Rights. Hon Peter Lokeris emphasized the need for all stakeholders to take keen interest in the education matters of the country.

He said the N.R.M government has put in place policies aimed at realizing the rights to education: These include:

  • Universal Primary Education (UPE) 1997
  • Universal Secondary Education (USE) 2006
  • The Education Sector Strategic Plan 2004 – 2015.
  • The Education Act 1992 amended 2008.

Government is therefore committed to achieving the Education for All (EFA) as well as the millennium development goals (MDGs). The policies above have taken care of access, especially at the primary and secondary levels.He further informed the stakeholders of education in Teso that UNESCO’s theme in education is quality education. He called upon all to address the question of quality which is goal number 6 of the EFA goals. This workshop he said is examining thisgoal in Teso Region and all major stakeholders are here to hear research findings and propose a way forward. He had noted the sadstate of education as elaborated in the research findings. It is important therefore that action be taken to address the shortcoming.

He finally invited everyone present to do a critical self analysis and to take the prescriptions for improvement seriously if quality education is to be attained.Government, he said, will listen and assist appropriately. He declared the workshop open.

2.0Presentation of the Report

Dr. Silas Oluka and Dr. Charles Opolot –Okurut jointly presented to the stakeholders the report.They took the participants through their methodology, key findings and recommendations.

2.1.Methodology

The Consultants identified eight categories of variables affecting pupil achievement. These are: 1) Teacher, 2) School, 3) Pupil,4) Infrastructure and teaching- learning materials 5) Organizational and management practices 6) The parents and community 7) Social incentives 8) Socio-economic conditions.

A survey research design using descriptive methodology and with a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was implemented to determine the factors leading to poor performance in the region.Interviews were held with 6 education officials, 24 head teachers, 83 teachers, and 149 pupils in 24 schools in Teso. The study also examined Primary leaving results in Teso covering a period of 25 years.

A number of instruments were developed targeting 24 selected schools in the region. Respondents from Jinja and Iganga districts in Busoga region served as control. The respondents were 32 head teachers of the schools; teachers of primary 3, 5 and 7; primary 3, 5 and 7 pupils; 32 parents and community members and one Deputy Principal in charge of Outreach in a core Primary Teacher’s College in Teso region.

A checklist of infrastructure, availability of instructional materials and other educational facilities in the primary schools was also used. Teaching delivery as a factor was assessed using a lesson observation guide that facilitated assessment of lesson preparation(schemes of work and lesson planning),lesson introduction, lesson development, methods used and the nature of classroom interactions, use of learning materials and teaching aids, classroom management skills, assessment of student work and professional conduct of teachers in class.

2.2. Findings

The study identified the following factors affecting primary pupils’ achievement in the Teso region:

  • Poor teacher knowledge of the subject matter in the disciplines such as science and mathematics
  • Lack of commitment to teaching
  • Lack of preparation by teachers
  • Large class sizes
  • Poor school facilities
  • Lack of or minimal homework for pupils
  • Lack of reading culture among teachers and pupils
  • Lack of sound and efficient leadership in the school administration
  • Inadequate amount of time allocated to teaching and learning

Other factors were policy related, environmental and social/parental factors affecting pupils’ achievement.

2.3. Conclusion

  • Teso region has very poor performance at PLE in all the four examinable subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and Social studies.
  • The quality of teachers and teacher effectiveness in Teso region greatly affects the performance of pupils.
  • There is need for the Ministry of Education and Sports, Education Standards Agency and District officials and schools to consider teacher training, professionalism and development as a way of monitoring effectiveness.
  • Teaching and learning materials, teacher and pupilwelfare alongside parental support are some of the interventions needed for increased achievement.
  • There is need for education to be built around an explicit social goal.

2.4.Recommendations

The report had the following Suggestions for improvement:

  • Provision of committed all round support to teaching and learning activities in schools.
  • Continuous professional skills in all aspects like cooperative learning, inquiry-based approaches, and problem-solving and communication skills.(Refer to full report)

3.0Discussions

The Discussion was chaired by the Ag. Chief Administrative Officer Soroti Mr. Mukose and the following submissions were made.

a)In his submission, the Hon. Minister of state Education and Sports in charge of Primary thanked researchers fora job well done. He said that statistics spoke for themselves in the findings and called on participants to find solutions tothe problems identified by the study. He recommended that in future The Secretary General for Uganda National Commission for UNESCO should replicate this kind of workshop for other stakeholders like UNEB, NCDC and ESA. He requested the Commissioner Teacher Education and Primary to see MSE/Pr to review recommendations on the data and bring out performance per subject.

  • In response to an earlier submission regarding the big curriculum, he noted that the curriculum will be abridged if possible.
  • On the issue of the very many public holidays in the country, the Minister noted that public holidays were seen as one of those issues that cause poor performance. He noted that there were many holidays in the past and government had gazetted only a few core ones.
  • He noted the need for refresher courses which he said are required everywhere but whose impact has to be evaluated.
  • He also noted that transfers are frequent and this may affect the performance of the pupils but was also quick to observe that permanency in oneplace for too long may alsoaffect good performance and progress.
  • On the issue of automatic promotion in school being a cause for poor performance, the Minister observed that teacher/parent cooperation is required on this issue.
  • He advocated for the thematic curriculum noting that teaching in the local language is one way of promoting reading and writing at early stages.
  • On school feeding he said that this should be left to parents either to handle in kind or in any other form agreed by both schools and parents so that the pupils do not starve while at school.
  • He agreed that the teacher pupil ratio should be realistic i.e. 1 to 55 in view of the UPE. He informed the participants that Government is trying to construct enough classrooms and promote some schools from one grade to a higher level.

b)Other members noted that there is a problem of gender parity of teachers deployed in Teso with more males than females in schools.It was agreed that parity should be encouraged as this also impacted on performance.

  • It was noted that resources are dwindling in many of the schools in Teso. Grants have come down to 3,000/= per child. This in turn affects other departments like inspection whereby some schools are not inspected at all. Members resolved that Inspection funds should be submitted directly from the Ministry and schools should be inspected three times a term so as to ensure quality delivery of education.The meeting was informed that the Ministry of Education and Sports had prioritized funding inspection.
  • Music, Drama and extra-curricula activities should be given an appropriate attention because its one of those areas that is important in the development of an active mind and its one of the industrious ventures that is very paying today and yet it is considered less important in the day to day activities of the schools.
  • Political interferencein the management schools should be addressed. Teachers should be encouraged to perform to the best of their ability while politicians also perform their duties as partners.
  • Districts were advised to utilize available resources to construct houses for teachers.
  • Head teachers were advised to borrow a leaf of good practices from those schools that perform well in and outside the region.
  • It was agreed that teachers be promoted in the classroom by increasing their salaries as a way of motivating those who have served excellently. A total of 2000 teachers will be promoted this financial year under the service scheme.
  • The preparation and selling of alcohol in school compounds be prohibited.
  • Triple- decker beds should be banned from all boarding schools as a way of dealing with the fires such as that of BuddoJuniorSchool that struck in April 2008.
  • It was concluded that research is the best way to find correct results as well as come up with solutions to issues, therefore all are encouraged to carry out research in any area of need more so on the promotion of education in Teso region.
  • One participant noted the following: Graduate teachers are being paid grade III teachers scale; some schools have failed to implement the school feeding programme because of conflicting issues; The transfer of head teachers sometimes negatively affect the school standard; the need for political support in the schools.
  • It was observed that the schools actually engaged in co-curricula activities are also good performers academically.Head teachers should emulate to emulate this example and have MDD activities at school.
  • It was also noted that poor performance in Teso region is caused by lack of text books. Teachers use same text books with the students and as a result cannot deliver effectively. In some subjects there are so many text books in the market and often the teachers are confused about which one to follow.
  • The issue of parents who cannot provide books/food for children is a challenge that should be addressed in a much more serious manner by all stakeholders.
  • There is need also to know the individual learning differences including, slow learners, hearing impairment etc, and come up with solutions.

4.0Resolutions

  • Take the study to the District Education Committees and see how to integrate the findings into their work plans
  • Form Teso Education Forum, to address education problems.
  • Commitment to work by teachers to be encouraged.
  • The recruitment of teachers should be taken seriously.
  • Teamwork among education stakeholders should be encouraged.
  • Parents should be sensitized to play their role in contributing towards their children’s education.
  • Presentation of the report to the District Councils for their study and further action.

5.0Vote of thanks

Ms. Acom Kelen the DEO of Amuria District thanked the Hon. Minister for having interest in the performance of Teso region by physically joining the stakeholders of education during the workshop. She also thanked UNESCO for funding the research study and the participants for accepting to come and chart a way forward to find a lasting solution to address the causes of poor performance of their children. She hailed Soroti district for accepting to host the presentation of the study.

6.0Closing remarks

Mr. Augustine Omare-Okurut thanked the participants for coming and for the open and constructive deliberations. He encouraged participants to receive the report and to act on it taking into consideration the recommendations of the meeting. For example, the proposal to form an Education Forum for Teso and to present the report to the District councils for their study and further action should be taken seriously.

He urged all the Teso education stakeholders to explore all possible ways of acquiring resources enhance quality education in the region. He also requested the researchers to take into account thecomments and recommendations of the meeting and to incorporate them in the final report.

Since the cardinal objective of the workshop was promoting education in Teso region, he reminded participants of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development focusing specifically on cardinal areas:

  • Education and cultural values
  • Education and its environment
  • Education and society

He declared the workshop closed at 4.00 p.m.

7.0.Annexes

Annex I

Workshop Programme

Time / Activity
8.00 am-9.00 am / Arrival and registration of participants
9.00 am-9.20 am / Welcome remarks
9.20 am-9.30 am / Remarks by the Secretary General UNATCOM
9.30am-9.45am / Official Opening of the workshop by the
Hon Minister of Education and Sports
9.45am-11.00am / Presentation by the Consultants
11.00am-11.30am / HEALTH BREAK
11.30am -12.30 pm / Discussions
12.30pm -1.00pm / Resolutions and way forward
1.00pm-2.00pm / LUNCH BREAK
2.00pm-3.00pm / CLOSURE

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Annex II
ONE DAY WORKSHOP ON THE STUDY TO ESTABLISH FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
LEAVING EXAMINATIONS IN TESO REGION, 5TH JUNE 2008, ENEKUTRAININGVILLAGE, MADERA-SOROTI.
REGISTRATION FORM
No. / Names / Designation / Institution / Contact Address / Telephone / E-mail
1 / Etonu Ben / Resident District commissioner / Soroti District / Box 65, SOROTI / 0772 486 499
2 / Mukose Jonathon Hosea / D/Chief Administrator / Soroti District Loc. Govt. / Box 61, SOROTI / 0772 969 029
3 / Ojur Joseph / District Inspector of Schools / Amuria District Loc. Govt. / Box 4, AMURIA / 0772 996 679
4 / Agelu, Hassan Rajab / District Secretary/Educ. Teso / UMSC, Teso / Box 59, SOROTI / 0774 206 450
SECRETARIES FOR EDUCATION
5 / Eceru, Moses Aga / Secretary for education / Amuria District Loc. Govt. / Box 4, AMURIA / 0772 330185
6 / Omoding, Onyoin Michael / Secretary for Education / Bukedea District / Box 5026, BUKEDEA / 0772 849648
7 / Ebukeitoit, Esau / Secretary for Health Education / Kumi District Loc. Govt. / Box 44, KUMI / 0772 313505
8 / Anyumel Beatrice / Secretary for education / SDLE / Box 61 SOROTI / 0782 132 750
DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS
9 / Acom, Kelen / District Education Officer / Amuria District Loc. Govt. / Box 4, AMURIA / 0772 998 633
10 / Etoyu, Michael Oumo / District Education Officer / Soroti District / Box 61 SOROTI / 0772 653 818
11 / Maginot, CharlesBonnie / District Education Officer / Kaberamaido District / Box 94, KABERAMAIRO / 0714 299 878
12 / Okuna, Geoffrey Milton / Inspector of Schools / Kumi District Loc. Govt. / Box 44, KUMI / 0702 539 934
13 / Esamij, David Alfred / Inspector of Schools / Soroti District / Box 650, SOROTI / 0752 282171
14 / Ongwali, Patrick / District Inspector of Schools / Katakwi DLG/Educ.Dept. / Private Bag, katakwi / 0772 66 88 18
15 / Okubu, Peter Aeto / District Inspector of Schools / Soroti District Loc. Govt. / Box 61, SOROTI / 0782 703890
16 / Iceduna, Florence / District Councilor / Local Government / Box 1, KATAKWI / 0774 22 38 22
17 / Alunga, Shaban / For: District Inspector of Sch. / Kaberamaido District / Box 94 KABERAMAIDO / 0774 064 848
18 / Ochan, Daniel / Ag. District Inspector of schools / Bukedea Distr.Loc.Govt. / Box 5026, BUKEDEA / 0772 972 418
HEADTEACHERS
19 / Engwedu, Khons / Headteacher / Okumu-Okamole Pr. Sch. / Box 5026, BUKEDEA / 0774 015 756
20 / Epecu Akiror, Grace / Headteacher / Atoroma Pr. Sch. / Box 8, KATAKWI / 0772 323 558
21 / Iyeset, Harriet Ruth / Headteacher / Were Pr. Sch. / Box 385, AMURIA / 0753 737286
22 / Odeke-Ichode, Charles / Headteacher / Wiggins Pr. Sch. / Box 44, KUMI / 0772 852524
23 / Odwar, Ignatius / Headteacher / Chodong Pr. Sch. / Box 5026, BUKEDEA / 07726 70197
24 / Iyakorit Atim Grace / Headteacher / Amuria Pr. Sch.. / Box 4 AMURIA / 0773 406 832
25 / Obaja, Ansman / Headteacher / KumiTownship Pr.Sch. / KumiTownship / 0772 957 238
26 / Akello, Florence Akope / Headteacher / Alukucok Pr. Sch. / P.O. KATAKWI / 0774 193 355
27 / Opio, Augustine / Headteacher / Okunguro Pr. Sch. / Box 5026, BUKEDEA
28 / Apedynog, Aistine / Headteacher / Agolitom Pr. Sch. / Box 44, KUMI / 0774 682 449
29 / Amuria, Margaret / Headteacher / Bukedea Pr. Sch. / Box 5020, BUKEDEA / 0782 478 250
30 / Iriut, Lugard / Headteacher / Ariet Pr. Sch. / P.O. KATAKWI / 0774 146 388
31 / Akol, Charles / Headteacher / Orisai Pr. Sch. / Box 135 NGORA / 0774 814 962
32 / Odung, Willy Dungulus / Headteacher / Kaburepoli Pr. Sch. / Box 14 KABERAMAIDO / 0774 270426
33 / Olaboro, Faucett / Headteacher / Otatai Pr. Sch. / Box 77, SOROTI / 0772 997 724
34 / Osidak, Edward Apolu / Headteacher / Pioneer Pr. Sch. / Box 19, SOROTI / 0772 569652
35 / Ikwap, Robert / Deputy Headteacher / Kumi Girls Pr. Sch. / Box 278, KUMI / 0782 816 160
36 / Echeru, Micheal / Headteacher / Asamuk Pr. Sch. / Box 1, AMURIA / 0782 345 152
37 / Ebunyu, juma / Headteacher / Kuju Pr. Sch. / Private Bag, AMURIA / 0782 313924
38 / Okello, James / Headteacher / Opuyo Pr. Sch. / Box 61, SOROTI / 0392 949440
39 / Otim, Omuut, John Evans / Headteacher / Swaria Pr. Sch. / Box 185, SOROTI / 0774 130 269
40 / Egangu, Simon / Headteacher / Gwetom Pr. Sch. / Box 30, KABERAMAIDO / 0772 99 87 96
41 / Elwanu, Joseph / Headteacher / Apuuton Pr. Sch. / Box 40, KATAKWI / 0782 561297
42 / Emuje, John Simond / Headteacher / Alem Pr. Sch. / Box 10 KABERAMAIDO / 0777600532
43 / Egou, Jacob / Headteacher / Bira Pr. Sch. / Box 94, KABERAMAIRO / 0752 369385
PRESS
44 / Alomu, Delux Emmy / Journalist / Veritas & Delta FM / Box 641, SOROTI / 0774 57 3888
45 / Odong, Sam / Prog. Officer/Continent Radio / Continental FM / Box 217, KUMI / 0774 452 139
46 / Akoiro, Francis / Delta Radio / 0777 251578
RESEARCHERS
47 / Dr. Silas Oluka / Head/DOSET / MakerereUniversity. / Box 7062, KAMPALA
48 / Dr. Charles Opolot Okurut / Senior Lecturer / Mathematics Dept. MUK / Box 7062, KAMPALA
UNATCOM-UNESCO
49 / Augustine Omare-Okurut / Secretary-General / UNATCOM-UNESCO / Box 4962, KAMPALA / 0772 529498 /
50 / Rosie Agoi / Prog. Officer/Education / UNATCOM-UNESCO / Box 4962, KAMPALA / 0772 501041 /
51 / Kwesiga Connie / SAA / UNATCOM-UNESCO / Box 4962, KAMPALA / 0772 426 486 /
52 / Mutumba Irene / Secretary / UNATCOM-UNESCO / Box 4962, KAMPALA / 0772 450613 /

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