National standardised exam has improved students’ literacy – MoE

The National Standardised Test (NST) introduced in 2021 for government and private basic schools has improved the students’ literacy and numeracy skills, the Deputy Minister of Education, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour has said.

Speaking to journalists, the Education Minister in Charge of General Education said the primary national examination had tremendously improved learners’ ability to read from two per cent to 38 per cent in primary two in 2015. 

During his visit to the Flagstaff House Basic School and 37 Military Basic School in Accra to monitor the examination, he told the media a total of 54,746 pupils in primary four and six sat for the 2024 edition of the National Standardised Test.

“The Ministry’s strategic plan is to ensure that at least 90 per cent  of our learners at the age of 10 across the country should be able to read and understand,” the Deputy Minister in Charge of Education stated.

Rev Fordjour said the outcome of the 2023 test revealed that 54 per cent of primary school pupils could read, which was contrary to the projection made by the World Bank that in Africa, only one in 10 children will be able to read.

The assessment examination, the Minister for Education explained is not meant to grade or promote the primary four public school students but to improve teaching and learning in the government basic schools across the country.

The 2024 edition of the National Standardised Test administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) was conducted for primary 4 and 6 students in all basic schools across the country from July 23, 2024, to July 24, 2024.

Students were evaluated in English Language and Mathematics for a comprehensive assessment of the educational standards and learning outcomes of these core subjects.

Ahead of the examination, teachers were encouraged to adequately prepare their students towards English Language and Mathematics to enable them to perform outstandingly in this year’s National Standardised Test (NST).

To ensure the smooth conduct of the nationwide examination, the Ghana Education Service (GES) provided test materials, invigilators, and any other resources required to make the national examination effective.