PRIVATE EDUCATION DELIVERY
-The GNACOPS story
Background
In recent times, human developments in technology, as well as the demands from the job market, have given rise to new methods of learning and skill acquisition.
The educational system is taking a paradigm shift and countries all over the world are making frantic efforts in building the capacities of teachers to the 21st century standards.
In Ghana, the contributions from private schools to nation's quest to achieve universally accepted holistic education cannot be overlooked.
With the greater part of the contributions to the basic level, there is the urgent need for teachers who are well-versed in modern trends in teaching and learning.
The government of Ghana, in line with its policy on quality education for every child, is due to introduce Standard Curricula and ensure that only qualified and certified persons are employed to teach.
It has also put in place programmes to better equip public school teachers to effectively implement the new curricula.
Implications for Private Schools
Considering the forthcoming curricula alien to many teachers in Ghana, vis-à-vis the government's new policy on teacher recruitment and efforts to streamline the activities of public schools, majority of private school teachers (most unqualified/uncertified) risk losing their jobs, leading to the collapse of a lot of private schools in Ghana, especially at the rural areas.
These, if not curtailed, shall thwart the country's resolve to give every child a world-class education.
Way Forward
The Ghanaian National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), with the mandate to internally regulate private schools in the country, is, in consonance with various government policies, introducing interventions for member schools.
To this end, two flagship programmes are being put in place;
One is the GNACOPS Volunteer Scheme which directly benefits members.
Two is the Neogenics Teacher Training.
The council will further engage other organisations in the drive towards continuous professional development of teachers and managements.
GNACOPS will intensify its monitoring of teaching and learning in all member schools.
It is resolute in making member schools forces to reckon with in terms of quality educational delivery and job creation.
The council, led by its Research and Training directorate, is putting in place measures to guarantee private education through local and international partnerships to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education by 2030.
And ensure that all young men and women who have ambitions to teach, particularly in private schools, get the requisite skills and certifications.
-Mantey Jectey-Nyarko (PhD),
Director, Research & Training
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