Task Force Settles On Schools’ Reopening Date As Academic Calendar Is Overhauled

Dr. School Ruto chaired-committee has settled on schools reopening date. If the recommendation by the committee are to be adopted by the ministry of education, then standard seven, standard 8, form three and form four learners will be back to school by Monday October 19, 2020.

According to a report by Daily Nation on Sunday, September 20, the committee has also proposed major overhaul of school calendar. The team proposes that second term should begin in October and close at the end of November, while the third term starts in January and ends in March.

This will then mean that next academic year would either begin in May or June hence no pupils or students would be forced to repeat classes as earlier recommended.

The team has also suggested that Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of secondary Education (KCSE) be administered during the month of April.

The rest of learners in primary level starting from pre primary one and two, grade one to grade four, and class five to class eight are scheduled to report to schools on November 2, 2020.

Similarly, form one and form two students are also expected to report on on November 2.

Education cabinet Secretary has invited stakeholders to another crucial Meeting at Kenya Institute of curriculum Development-KICD tomorrow (Monday September 21, 2020) to deliberate on proposals by Dr. Sara RUto led-committee.

Professor Magoha is expected to present the proposals  dates and guidelines for schools reopening and also outline procedures for reopening of technical and vocational training as well as universities to the national consultative conference.

The conference is slated for September 25  and will be co chaired by Interior cabinet secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, and his Health counterpart Mutahi Kagwe.

New Guidelines

As the committee is expected to present their proposal, the ministry of education has also come up with new guidelines on classroom management.

In the light of Covid-19 pandemic, teachers and learners/trainees will use face masks while in classrooms or in other learning facilities. Here are other guidelines in classroom management;

1. Teachers shall ensure that ALL learners/trainees observe hygiene through hand washing using soap and water before entering classrooms and other tuition facilities
2. Teachers and other staff members shall regularly wash their hands using soap and water or use hand-sanitizers before entering classrooms/lecture hall or tuition areas.
3. Learners/trainees shall use the available learning materials such as text books individually. Sharing shall be avoided at all times
4. Spacing between learners/trainees while in the classrooms/ shall not be less than one meter in all directions.
5. Teachers shall avoid individual physical contact with learners/trainees and they shall ensure the one meter rule is observed at all times.
6. During Games and Physical Health Education, individualized activities shall be implemented to ensure physical distancing is observed.
7. Teachers shall demarcate by marking positions for the learners’ desks’ positions to ensure one meter distance is observed in the classrooms.