The recent announcement by the minister of education on the Grade Four Literacy Test begs the question: Is the government contemplating a re-introduction of the Common Entrance Examination (CEE)? According to the minister, if a child failed to pass the literacy test after three sittings, that child would not be allowed to sit the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT). In my mind, there must be an institution, where the GSAT awardees do not attend, that would accept these failing students. Technically, as it is now, all secondary-level schools are for GSAT awardees.

Lack validity

The GSAT has been criticised as lacking validity and perhaps too difficult for the examinees grade and age levels. The science seems to be fraught with chemistry, biology and physics. The communication task is almost akin to CXC English language and the social studies to CXC social studies. It also seems unfair as each student gets only one chance to sit the test. Perhaps, it's also more difficult to get an acceptable average in the GSAT than it was to pass the CEE.

The CEE was easier in content as the students would only be required to do some mental ability, mathematics and English language with a composition.

Needs re-examination

Whatever the situation, the GSAT must be re-examined in terms of its content validity and difficulty level. The CEE should be reintroduced and those who pass go to the traditional high schools. The notion that every student passed is absurd and somewhat tricky. Something must be done as the system seems to be failing its students and not the students necessarily failing themselves.

I am, etc.,

CANUTE WHITE

superpower342002@yahoo.ca

Kingston