The focus of this essay is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the double track and semester programs at the SHS level under the following themes: Constitutional matters, population matters, resource matters and a conclusion.
As a teacher and a member of the educational sector, the matter I have tabled above is a matter that is so much dear to my heart. I know for a fact, that every passing government educational intervention is meant to better the educational system in Ghana.
From the colonial regime, passing through the era of Nkrumah to the current government of the fourth republic, our dear country has undergone a myriad of educational interventions. However, the introduction of the Free Education at the SHS level, otherwise known as the "Fee Free SHS" and the birth of the Semester and the Double Track System in the SHS seem paramount.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE: CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
A. Constitutional mandate
B. Approach to implementation
PART 2: POPULATION MATTERS
PART 3: RESOURCE MATTERS
CONCLUSION: THE WAY FORWARD
Objectives & Topics
This work aims to provide a comprehensive, unbiased assessment of the Semester and Double Track System introduced in Ghana's Senior High Schools. It examines the political and legal frameworks, evaluates the impact on student enrollment, and analyzes the economic implications of these educational reforms within the fourth republic.
- Analysis of the constitutional mandates underpinning educational policy in Ghana.
- Assessment of population trends and their impact on school infrastructure and capacity.
- Evaluation of the resource management challenges and economic burdens related to policy implementation.
- Critical review of the shift from the Senior Secondary School (SSS) to the Senior High School (SHS) system.
- Recommendations for the way forward to ensure a sustainable and effective education system.
Excerpt from the book
A. Constitutional mandate
A constitution is a set of rules, which is meant to guide the general administration and governance of a country. According to the Ghana Constitution of 1992, Article 25 (1) (a) (b) state that:
25.
(1) All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realisation of that right -
(a) basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all;
(b) secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;
This indicates that the current government has not flouted, in any way, the constitution that gives it the authority and power to rule the people of Ghana. The constitution has clearly stipulated that, all persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities. Moreover, secondary education shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means…
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: The author provides a personal perspective on the evolution of Ghana's educational system and sets the stage for evaluating the recent "Fee Free SHS" and the Double Track System.
PART ONE: CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS: This chapter reviews the constitutional basis for educational equality and examines whether the government's approach to implementing the Free SHS policy aligns with the constitutional mandate of progressive, gradual development.
PART 2: POPULATION MATTERS: This section analyzes the demographic pressure on schools, evaluating the government's strategies to manage increasing enrollment and the potential impact of the Double Track system on pedagogical quality.
PART 3: RESOURCE MATTERS: This chapter investigates the economic implications of the policy, focusing on the costs of infrastructure and the necessity of managing scarce resources through proper prioritization.
CONCLUSION: THE WAY FORWARD: The author calls for broader consultation and a re-focus on basic education to ensure the long-term sustainability and equity of the national education system.
Keywords
Ghana, Senior High School, SHS, Free SHS, Double Track System, Education Reform, Constitutional Mandate, Enrollment, Resource Management, Infrastructure, Pedagogical Quality, Basic Education, Educational Policy, Fourth Republic, WASSCE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work provides a comprehensive overview and assessment of the Semester and Double Track System in Ghana's Senior High Schools, exploring the political, legal, and economic dimensions of these reforms.
What are the central themes discussed in the book?
The book focuses on three major themes: constitutional mandates for education, demographic challenges related to student population, and the management of educational resources.
What is the author's primary research goal?
The goal is to offer an unbiased critique and assessment of recent educational interventions to help the reader understand the framework of education in Ghana during the fourth republic.
Which scientific method is utilized in this analysis?
The author uses a descriptive and analytical approach, combining constitutional references, statistical data on enrollment trends, and economic assessments of budgetary allocations to evaluate government policies.
What topics are covered in the main section of the book?
The main section covers the constitutional foundations of the Free SHS policy, the demographic realities of student enrollment, and the economic hurdles involved in scaling school infrastructure and resources.
What specific keywords characterize this publication?
The work is defined by terms such as Fee Free SHS, Double Track System, educational reform, constitutional compliance, and resource allocation in the Ghanaian educational context.
How does the author view the "progressive" requirement of the constitution?
The author highlights a tension between the constitutional requirement for "progressive" (gradual) implementation and the actual rapid, potentially hurried implementation of the Free SHS policy by recent governments.
What concerns does the author raise regarding the Double Track system?
The author expresses concern that the system may reduce total school days, increase pressure on students due to prolonged contact hours, and potentially compromise the quality of pedagogical and academic outcomes.
- Quote paper
- Ernest Offei (Author), 2018, The Semester and Double Track System in Senior High Schools in Ghana, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/437474
