The National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) and some educators in western Jamaica yesterday welcomed the Ministry of Education's intention to make changes to the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

According to the ministry, a preliminary study showed that the test, which is now in its tenth year, was not adequately meeting the demands of the nation's changing education sector.

A release from the ministry stated that several suggestions have been made regarding possible changes to the examination.

Based on age band

One suggestion is that the GSAT should be based on an age band and not limited to one sitting for the purpose of placement.

There is also a recommendation that strategies be explored to improve placement decisions and provide more equitable access to secondary education.

The release also noted that among the strategies being considered are a student identification numbering system, the ranking and classification of schools, the zoning of schools and the creation of a School Improvement Act aimed at helping in the expansion of quality school places.

"It is a good decision to make changes to the GSAT because parents are concerned that the GSAT is for adults, because they find it challenging when they attempt to help their children," Miranda Sutherland, president of the NPTAJ, told The Gleaner yesterday.

Vice-principal of Little London Primary School in Westmoreland, Edris Robinson, said the method of measuring students' performance in GSAT was an unfair calculation of their academic abilities.

"I don't believe that GSAT is effective. It is not like the Common Entrance Examination," Robinson argued. "This is a one-shot deal for students as there are no more chances to sit the exam if a student fails. Some children may reach the age to sit the exam but are not mentally mature for GSAT."

Change the curriculum

Meanwhile, Robert Stubbs, principal of Santa Cruz Preparatory in St Elizabeth, said that while the exam puts a lot of stress on the students, he did not believe that GSAT was the main problem affecting student performance.

Colin Blair, director of communication in the education ministry, told The Gleaner that a time had not been set for the implementation of the recommendations. This year's GSAT, which is scheduled for March, will not be affected.

Recommendations include:

The mechanism for placement should not be linked to GSAT.

Continuous assessment should be used to measure attainment at the end of grade six.

Mechanisms should be developed for determining readiness for grade seven which focus on skills rather than content.

National standards for high schools should be established and enforced.

Value-added reports for secondary schools should be published.