TSC Asks Parliament to Save them From Looming Education Reforms
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has urged the National Assembly to step in and address concerns regarding recommendations made by a taskforce on the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). The TSC argues that these recommendations could infringe upon its constitutional responsibilities.
Nancy Macharia, the Chief Executive of TSC, presented her case to the parliamentary Committee on Education. She expressed that the proposals from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) would undermine the core functions and authority of the TSC.
Despite providing a comprehensive memorandum and engaging with the Working Party, the TSC feels its input on critical matters related to the teaching service was not adequately considered.
Macharia emphasized that the TSC’s Board had analyzed the report’s recommendations and identified areas that could impact its constitutional role. The TSC specifically noted that the PWPER excluded the Commission from institutional visits and the list of organizations that submitted memoranda.
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The TSC’s primary concern is that certain amendments proposed by the taskforce, such as giving the Ministry of Education more control over teacher recruitment and promotion, could restrict employment opportunities for teachers and alter registration requirements.
Additionally, the TSC opposes the idea of the Ministry developing guidelines for retooling and upgrading programs for teachers without involving the Commission.
The TSC also opposes the decentralization of its functions and the proposal to allow the Ministry to control operations in learning institutions, as this could lead to conflicts and render existing policies irrelevant. The Commission argues that these recommendations infringe upon its constitutional powers and operational independence.
The TSC expressed reservations about proposed amendments that would subject its decisions to an Education Appeals Tribunal, potentially compromising its independence. The Commission also raised concerns about being allocated additional functions outside its constitutional mandate.
In conclusion, the TSC highlighted various recommendations that, in its view, need further consideration and alignment with constitutional and statutory provisions to ensure harmony in the education sector.
TSC Asks Parliament to Save them From Looming Education Reforms
