NaCCA Evaluates Textbooks for Compliance with New Curriculum Standards
“NaCCA’s monitoring team evaluates textbook compliance with new curriculum standards. Learn about their initiatives, QR code verification, and efforts against unauthorized materials.”
A dedicated monitoring team from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has commenced an essential task – the inspection of textbooks employed in both public and private primary schools located in Accra.
NaCCA officials have conducted comprehensive on-site assessments at various schools with a primary objective: to verify the alignment of the textbooks currently in use with the newly implemented curriculum, known as the Standard-Based Education curriculum.
On-Site Visits to Key Educational Institutions
Notable educational institutions, including Mantse Tackie Cluster of Schools, Calvary Methodist 1 Basic School, and St Paul Lutheran Basic School, have received visits from NaCCA officers for this pivotal evaluation.
A significant outcome of these on-site visits was the identification of certain textbooks that lacked NaCCA certification. Interestingly, these materials were being utilized alongside approved Council materials to facilitate the teaching process.
Supplementary Materials Addressing Curriculum Gaps
In a bid to bridge the gap created by the inadequacy of Council-approved textbooks, some schools resorted to introducing these uncertified resources into their curriculum.
Adding complexity to the situation, a number of textbooks displayed labels indicating approval by NaCCA or GES (Ghana Education Service), although they lacked formal certification by the Council.
Director General’s Perspective: Engaging Schools and Enhancing Awareness
Professor Edward Appiah, the Director General of NaCCA, who spearheaded this initiative, highlighted the importance of engagement with schools to bolster awareness about NaCCA-endorsed textbooks.
Professor Appiah conveyed his intent to expand the reach of these visits and awareness campaigns, extending their impact to encompass other schools and local bookstores. The overarching goal is to effectively identify and remove unauthorized educational materials from the system.
Leveraging Technology: QR Codes for Enhanced Verification
In an innovative move, Professor Appiah shared plans to introduce QR codes on approved textbooks. This technological enhancement will empower schools to promptly and accurately verify the authenticity of the learning resources.
Professor Appiah underscored the Council’s aspiration to foster collaborative authorship in textbook creation.
The vision entails involving three or more contributors to produce enriched and comprehensive educational materials.
Legislative Measures Against Unauthorized Publishing
Furthermore, Professor Appiah disclosed that the Council is diligently working towards the implementation of a Legislative Instrument.
Once passed by Parliament, this instrument will provide the Council with the authority to take punitive actions against individuals responsible for publishing unauthorized textbooks.
Appeal for Comprehensive Textbook Provision
Madam Belinda Dede Sefakor-Bulley, Headteacher of Mantse Tackie One and Two Primary, issued an appeal to the Ghana Education Service (GES).
She urged for the provision of the remaining essential textbooks, such as Our World Our People, History, Religious and Moral Education, Creative Arts, and Computing.