Putrajaya's plan to allow six-year-old children enrol in Year One beginning next year received objections from a stakeholder, which argued its hurried implementation and optionality would hurt many parties.
The Private Education Cooperative Malaysia Berhad (EduCoop) said the plan would further widen the undesirable gap in educational disparity between children from rural and urban areas.
It pointed out that implementing the plan on such short notice would also cause issues to current five-year-old and six-year-old children, as they will be starting Year One simultaneously next year.
According to EduCoop, the children will start primary school on an unequal footing as the current five-year-olds are already disadvantaged at the starting point.
"The large number of children graduating from preschools in 2026 would cause staff redundancy issues in existing preschools.
“Plus, it will also negatively impact their viability to continue providing services to only five-year-old children, as many preschools rely on a balanced enrolment of four, five, and six-year-old children to remain operational.
"Parents who are undecided in their choice would negatively impact existing preschools' plans," it said in a statement.
The cooperative added that the number of teachers, classrooms, and school facilities nationwide is not adequate to accommodate such an influx of Year One students.
Primary school teachers are also not well prepared to care for six-year-olds, it mentioned.
Have broader engagement process
On that note, EduCoop regarded the plan as a sudden introduction without considering the implications to stakeholders, especially kindergarten operators, parents, and industry players.
"In view of the above, we respectfully urge the Education Ministry to reconsider this proposal and engage more broadly with educators, parents, preschool operators, and child development experts before proceeding.
"We trust that the ministry will continue to prioritise inclusivity, equity and long-term sustainability in shaping Malaysia's education system," it said.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim launched the government’s 10-year education plan, which saw the introduction of several new initiatives, including giving parents the option to enrol their six-year-old children in Year One if they believe their children are ready.
With the option, students who enrol from age six are expected to complete their upper secondary education at 16.
The plan has received criticisms from several quarters, including Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and former education minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
Syed Saddiq yesterday raised his concerns over its implications on children and teachers, while Hishammuddin demanded that the ministry provide a detailed explanation on its preparedness to execute the initiative. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.