Poorly trained teachers choking education quality

Of the 10,612 Grade III candidates who sat national examinations last year, only two teachers passed with distinctions, according to their results that were released last week. The other 4,508 passed with credits and 1,459 with passes and the rest failed.

This failure rate is alarmingly high.

Studies show that the teachers' low performance in national examinations is later partly reflected in the quality of pupils that they teach. Reports from the Government and non-government organisations investing in education show that the achievement levels of learners in schools, especially primary schools, is still low.

What is happening in primary teachers' colleges? Can anything be done to improve this grim picture?

Be sure to read more on this in New Vision's weekly education pullout Mwalimu on Wednesday. (CLICK HERE to read your paper online)

 
Also in brief, here's what you will find in depth in the Mwalimu pullout:

OPINION

Uganda high education should lead again in the region

For decades Uganda was the favoured destination for many East Africans wishing to acquire a good education. In its heyday, compared to the other East African countries, the Ugandan education system offered superior academics; curricula; excellent teaching and good governance.

Today, Uganda ranks fourth on the continent in terms of graduates who are well-prepared for the job market. It is possible for Uganda to regain her lost glory. Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa explores how this can be achieved.

POLICY

Unveiling new secondary curriculum

THE new lower secondary curriculum will have eight learning areas. There has been a debate about the opportunities in the new lower secondary schools curriculum. We sought an explanation from experts at the National Curriculum Development Centre on what each of the eight learning areas entails. In the first of eight stories on the learning areas, we bring you science studies.

PROFILE

Seeta High grooms leaders without titles

Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo, the state minister for higher education, while still a headteacher at Uganda Martyrs SS Namugongo, groomed most of his teachers into leaders and a number of them are now running several other schools countrywide in addition to his three schools in Mukono.

Years down the road, one of the school heads that Dr Muyingo groomed, is replicating the formula of grooming leaders both teachers and students.