KNEC Reveals Key Factors to determine Grade 10 Student Placement
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled the criteria that will shape the placement of students into Grade 10.
During the 2nd Annual Symposium on Competency Based Assessment (CBA) held on April 23, Dr. Fred Odhiambo, the Deputy Director of Education for the Directorate of Secondary/Senior School, shared that student placement will hinge on individual choices, including preferred pathways, subject tracks, and school selections.
Dr. Odhiambo elaborated that Senior Schools will be classified according to various criteria such as pathways (both triple and double), types of accommodation (day and hybrid schools), gender (single-sex and coeducational), and provisions for special needs (including specialized and vocational schools).
He noted that students will have the opportunity to select 12 schools based on their chosen pathways. Among these, 9 will be boarding institutions, with 3 located within the learner’s home county and 6 from other counties. Additionally, 3 day schools will be chosen from their home sub-county.
The selection process will involve choosing four schools for each of the first, second, and third-choice subject combinations.
Additional Considerations from KNEC
Furthermore, Dr. Odhiambo indicated that the placement will also take into account students’ academic performance in their Grade 9 assessments. Psychometric evaluations, which assess learner aptitude, interests, and talents, will also play a significant role, as will efforts to ensure regional equity in access to educational opportunities.
The capacity of schools, including available space and resources, will also be a determining factor in the placement process.
Dr. Rachel Kang’ethe, a Senior Lecturer at Kenyatta University, emphasized the need for ongoing investment in the development and standardization of alternative assessment tools, highlighting the collaborative responsibility of institutions like KNEC, KISE, and teacher training colleges in this endeavor.
Gathering Student Insights
In May, KNEC’s Chief Executive Officer, David Njeng’ere, announced that the Commission has created and uploaded sample papers for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) onto the KNEC CBA portal.
Njeng’ere stated that the Grade 10 placement process will be informed by direct input from students. Candidates will be asked to complete online questionnaires to share their interests and personal preferences.
“KNEC will distribute an online questionnaire to KJSEA candidates through their schools, gathering vital feedback on their interests and preferences, which will be instrumental for the Ministry of Education in guiding their placement in senior secondary schools,” he explained.
