Ali Gul Leghari-Johi
In a recurring decision reminiscent of previous years, the Sindh Education and Literacy Department (SE&LD), under the Government of Sindh, has once again suggested to promote students from Kindergarten (KG) to Class Three without formal examinations. This policy, initially introduced in response to the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, continues despite significant improvements in the pandemic situation. While intended to mitigate the challenges posed by the virus, this steady approach to promotion policy has far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s already struggling education system. The SE&LD’s continuous promotion policy, spanning from KG to Grade III, raises important questions about the role of examinations in primary education. To grasp the significance of this policy, we must explore the importance of examinations for students at this pivotal stage of their educational journey, taking into account modern teaching and learning methods. Primary education forms the cornerstone of a child’s academic journey and future success. In today’s world, education experts like Dr. Ayesha Ali argue that examinations play a vital role in this journey. They provide educators and parents with valuable insights into a student’s progress, helping tailor teaching methods to suit individual needs. Moreover, examinations in primary education extend beyond traditional assessments. Professor John Smith, a global education expert, highlights that they instill essential life skills such as time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are not only beneficial inside the classroom but also prepare students for the complexities of higher grades and the challenges of the modern world. However, the decision to continually promote students without formal assessments poses a risk to the integrity of Pakistan’s education system. Pakistan already faces hurdles in providing quality education due to various reasons. Neglecting primary education in the age of modern teaching and learning methods, as emphasized by global education expert Dr. Emily White, could have detrimental consequences. Modern teaching methods, such as personalized learning and digital resources, rely on data-driven insights. Formal assessments, like examinations, provide essential data points for educators to understand student performance. Without these assessments, it becomes challenging to implement effective modern teaching methods, hindering the development of critical skills for the 21st-century workforce. SE&LD’s continued promotion policy from KG to Grade III merits reconsideration. While it was initially introduced as a practical response to pandemic-related challenges, its persistence poses a risk to Pakistan’s education system. Balancing the health and well-being of students with the need for assessments is crucial. As we navigate the modern landscape of education, it is imperative to listen to experts both globally and within Pakistan who stress the importance of examinations in building strong educational foundations. These foundations are essential for nurturing students equipped to face the challenges of the contemporary world and harness modern teaching and learning methods for their benefit.