ISLAMABAD: Heads of country’s education boards have decided to develop a National Assessment Framework, after expressing concerns over the current assessment system, which encourages rote learning.

“Historically, the education system in Pakistan has faced challenges such as disparities in quality, regional imbalances, and inconsistent standards across educational boards. The current assessment systems have been criticised for emphasising rote learning over critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” read a statement issued by Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) on Thursday after a two-day 179th meeting of IBCC.

According to the statement, the meeting was hosted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Boards Committee of Chairmen and organised by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Peshawar.

The meeting endorsed the proposal to formulate the National Assessment Framework. “This framework marks a significant step in the country’s educational progress, demonstrating a collective commitment to improving education quality and providing equal learning opportunities for all students. It will serve as a comprehensive guide for implementing a robust student assessment system that meets international standards while respecting Pakistan’s unique cultural and academic contexts,” read the statement.

The meeting, attended by the Joint Secretary of Federal Education Ministry Syed Junaid Ikhlaq, who also holds acting charge of Chairman Federal Board, focused on modernising and standardising examination systems to enhance the quality of education and ensure fair assessment practices across Pakistan.

The statement said that in 2022, the forum unanimously decided to adopt a new grading system to replace raw marks, aiming to reduce intense competition among students. Although its implementation was delayed due to pending approvals from provincial BISE authorities, recent discussions have prioritised its execution for the annual examinations of 2025.

The forum also discussed annual summer camps for higher achievers from all boards of the country. This year, Chairman of BISE Benazir Abad has been appointed as the focal person to organise the summer camp on behalf of the Sindh Boards Committee of Chairmen. The event will be held in the scenic valleys of Kaghan and Naran.

The meeting was apprised of the education ministry’s official announcement of the National Curriculum of Pakistan for 2023. The provincial curriculum authorities have endorsed this curriculum, which aims to standardise education, ensure consistent learning outcomes, and improve education quality nationwide. The forum also commended the Sindh Government’s decision to conduct SSC/HSSC examinations in March/April, aligning with other provincial boards’ schedules.

Joint Secretary Education Syed Junaid Ikhlaq expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all participants, underscoring the importance of these reforms in shaping the future of education in Pakistan. Executive Director of IBCC Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah highlighted the goal of creating a fair, transparent, and efficient examination system that accurately reflects students’ capabilities.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2024