In a recent message to parents, Kofi Asare, the esteemed Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, shares valuable insights regarding the crucial phase of school selection following the completion of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
With a heartfelt address, he emphasizes the significance of making informed decisions that are rooted in a realistic assessment of a student’s academic performance rather than mere BECE expectations.
In his open letter, Mr. Asare kindly addresses parents with a thoughtful reminder: “BECE is over; next is school selection.” He highlights that the upcoming step in a student’s educational journey is choosing the right school, a decision that has far-reaching implications for their future.
With this, he encourages parents to take the lead in this process, advocating for a more proactive role in determining the best fit for their child’s educational path.
One of the key points he talks about is the need for parents to align their school selection with their child’s academic performance in school, rather than focusing solely on BECE results. He advises against leaving this critical choice entirely to the student and emphasizes the importance of parents guiding their children in this significant decision.
Kofi Asare further addresses the necessity of choosing a school program that corresponds well with a student’s capabilities and aspirations. This consideration becomes even more vital as the program chosen can significantly impact the Senior High School (SHS) placement a student receives.
For instance, he notes that Science programs tend to be highly competitive in Category A SHSs, urging parents to weigh their child’s strengths and ambitions when making this choice.
In a particularly resonant piece of advice, Mr. Asare encourages parents to recognize the long-term consequences of today’s decisions. He stresses that each choice made during this period can influence a student’s future trajectory.
Drawing on a metaphor, he suggests that parents “cut your cloth” – a poignant reminder that no school choice is inherently a bad one, but it is essential to align it with the student’s abilities and circumstances.
Kofi Asare’s personal experience lends authenticity to his advice. He recalls the time when attending Category C schools was a norm, and teachers were in short supply. Yet, the impact of those schools did not hinder his success, and he now stands as a shining example of someone who emerged from such an environment to make a Category A impact on society.
Source: GESHub.org
