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SINGAPORE – Singapore should not lose confidence in meritocracy, even though it seems to have led to systemic injustice in the education system.
Instead of banning classes and enrichments, delete the end-of-primary exam. By setting up quotas in the best schools, the country should abandon the close approach of grades to adopt a broader meritocracy of skills. "We must not limit success at the top, but continue to strive to raise the standard". Minister Ong Ye Kung, in Parliament, outlined the basic principles that will underpin the development of the education system here.
He was responding to an often passionate, sometimes emotional debate about "Education for Our Future". Raised by a group of appointed MPs
Eight NMPs and five MPs spoke, raising issues ranging from tuition and PSLE to lifelong learning and admissions based on aptitude
Nise Phua (Jalan Besar RCMP), who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, called for a review of the education master plan every three years.
million. Ong said his ministry would accept these views and suggestions. But his answer to the call to shoot down "sacred cows" like the PSLE, was "No".
He acknowledged that meritocracy "risks becoming a dirty word". While it has raised many families over the decades, those who benefited from it have spared no effort to invest in their children's abilities.
million. Ong said: "Unlike the first generation of Singaporeans whose students come from modest backgrounds, the next generation is pushing different starting blocks, students from well-to-do families with a head start."
It has been suggested to establish a quota for low-income students in popular schools, but this, says Mr. Ong the wrong signal, and can even be considered patronizing.
Popular schools are already making extra efforts to attract eligible students from low-income families and increase the mix of those from different backgrounds, and we should encourage them to do more, "said Mr. Ong.
He also noted that while the PSLE is not perfect and adds stress to some families, any replacement system for deciding secondary assignments is likely to be worse.
Mr. Ong, w he is chairman of the Chinese Council for Development Assistance (CDAC), said that he asked young self-help group volunteers who teach students from families to Most of them were against getting rid of the PSLE, and told him that it could actually motivate students to work hard.
"It was frankly said that we could complain that the PSLE favor ise the rich, but the rich are better prepared for their children Support the weaker students more, but do not remove the PSLE, "said Mr. Ong in the House
noting that about 7 , 5% of students who live in one to three "There are many others who have great non-academic talents and we will continue to strive to help them fully develop their strengths."
this is reflected in the way the Ministry of Education (MOE) allocates resources. Approximately $ 24,000 is spent each year for each student in special schools, which addresses the weakest students. Those in Normal (Technical) and Normal (Academic) get $ 20,000 and $ 15,000 respectively. All other students, including those from independent schools, earn less than $ 15,000.
Schools also offer extracurricular activities such as horse riding and sailing, as well as learning opportunities at home. # 39; abroad.
Talented 4th and 5th graders can also enroll in the Junior Sports Academy, which offers a free two-year sports development program. Since 2017, its capacity has been doubled to 800, and the MOE is in the early stages of developing a similar program for the arts, said Mr Ong.
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