By Nathaniel Nartey
More than 561,000 Pupils are participating in the 2021 National Standardized Test, NST today. The national test which has taken off across the country will enable the Ministry of Education to generate data on the performance of pupils in English Language and Mathematics.
According to the Education Ministry, the NST will help to build a strong educational system in the country by enhancing the learning outcomes of pupils while reducing the issue of learning poverty.
The test is not meant to grade P4 Pupils, to improve teaching and learning in Basic Schools across the country.
Currently, the National Test will be conducted in only Public Schools. There is however consideration for enrolling Private Schools in subsequent ones.
Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kwasi Kwarteng, in an interview with GBC News, said the conduct of the Test will aid in highlighting learning gaps to shape future educational policies.
“Most of the centers across the country have already started the exams, however, we admit that there were some delays because it was initially expected to start at 11am prompt………the Minister for Education wants to be proactive based on the outcome of the test so that we do not have to wait for 11 years before our students will be assessed nationally to know their strength in Mathematics and English”.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has toured some of the Examination centers.