What is the role of parents in CBC in Kenya?

Kenya rolled out the competency-based curriculum, but what is the role of parents in CBC in Kenya?

Already the first CBC cohorts in Kenya are in grade 4 set to join in grade 5 on the 26^th of July 2021. The CBC is a curriculum that deviates from the 8.4.4 system that has been blamed for being too exam-oriented and has often led to rote learning.

If you are reading this as a parent, then you are likely to have gone through the 8.4.4 system in which parents played very little role.

The Mackey report (1981), not only recommended the introduction of a second technological report but also recommended the 8.4.4 system with learners taking the KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education at Standard 8, replacing the CPE (Certificate of Primary Education).

To align the education system to the 2010 constitution, the Odhiambo report recommended the CBC system which focuses less on summative assessment, unlike the 8.4.4 system.

The Odhiambo report meant that for the first time, Kenya was making drastic changes to its curriculum.

Role of Parents in CBC in Kenya

Unlike the 8.4.4 system where parents had a limited role, in CBC, parents play a vital role in the education of their children.

Some of the roles of parents in CBC in Kenya are;

1. Provide basic needs to their children. (Read about Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs to understand why.)
2. Instill and nurture moral values.
3. Teach and model proper use of resources.
4. Protect the child from physical and emotional abuse.
5. Teach and guide children to make right choices and make them aware of consequences.
6. Help in enhancing learning achievements in the child as guided by the teacher.
7. Engage the teacher to enrich the child’s learning experiences.
8. Provide tender, loving care to boost your child’s emotional safety and a sense of belonging.
9. Monitor your child’s growth and development and also identify any signs of disability for early intervention.
10. Identify your child’s natural talents and abilities, and work with the teachers to nurture them.
11. Discuss observed character, behavior and indiscipline issues regarding your child with teachers and take necessary action.
12. Engage in peaceful and prompt resolution of conflicts that may arise.
13. Get involved in planning, development and decision making process of school activities.
14. Take part in school activities such as academic clinics, talents show.

It is evident that parents have a key role to play in the CBC curriculum in Kenya. So what is your role as a parent in CBC in Kenya?

Key Words Used

In Kenya, summative assessment is currently done at Class 8, Form 4, and at the university, at the end of every semester. 8.4.4 has been blamed on focus on summative assessment which has led to learners studying for examinations without developing the necessary competencies.  

Summative Assessment: Assessment that is used to evaluate students learning, skill acquisition, and academic achievement at the conclusion of a defined instructional period, usually at the end of a term, semester, or learning period.

There is also the Formative Assessment which is a continuous form of assessment with less focus on examinations. Formative Evaluations are evaluations FOR learning. Often it is used by both the teacher and the learners to gauge the level of understanding at a particular level.

Study Questions

1. Differentiate by Giving example between Formative and Summative assessments.
2. Discuss the role of parents in implementation of CBC curriculum in Kenya.

Read Also: Liliain Sintala’s SUBCONCIOUS NEGLIGENCE here.