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SINGAPORE: Singapore should reform the assessment system in its schools - says MP Denise Phua, who has spoken out against what she calls the "T-Score Syndrome".
The T-Score refers to the aggregate marks obtained by students in the Primary 6 School Leaving Examination.
During the debate in Parliament on Thursday, the MP for Jalan Besar said if she had her way with the budget - she would first spend some money and effort in reforming the assessment system.
Next, she would reform the minds of all Singaporeans.
This is so that one's potential or talent can be measured by more than his or her academic score.
Ms Phua said, "Just last month, a very able mainstream Secondary School principal told me how disappointed he was because his students did not fare as well in the GCE as in the previous year. I know of a boy who failed his GCE this year and was refused by his school to stay on to try another year because his poor results will affect the overall standing of the school. Come close to the season of the release of PSLE and GCE results, the conversation of almost everyone is still centred around exam scores - every other achievement is greeted with a polite smile, not 'congratulations!'"
The Acting Principal of Pathlight School added, "Even when I was helping out with the Enabling MasterPlan for the disabled, I was asked to highlight the excellent PSLE results my students with autism have achieved, to impress the funders of my school that they are worth the investment."
Yet, she said, many know that high academic scores do not necessarily make great leaders or workers.
Ms Phua recounted how one of her top performing staff and an ex-creative director said he was scoffed at when he chose the design school route instead of going to university.
She said, "Another one of my colleagues, Dennis Tan, GCE O-level-holder, single-handedly created an Enrichment Activity Unit now offering countless special needs children with holiday programmes. These children were previously rejected by other enrichment programme providers who think that they are too much of a trouble."
Her conclusion: there's merit in installing a formal "Portfolio Assessment" system instead.
This is so that the potential and talent of a student - and eventually an adult - is measured by a visible portfolio of not just his examination scores, but also his contributions in other areas like the arts and to the community. - CNA/yy
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