Stress Free School-Based Assessment: How SMART teachers do it

by Wisdom K.E Hammond · September 14, 2024

Stress-Free School-Based Assessment can save teachers and learners a lot of stress every term or semester.

Teachers are required to record scores obtained by learners using the School-Based Assessment (SBA) system as required by the GES.

READ:7 Principles of Teaching: Teachers without these must wake up

Hon. Jerry Akporhor – Lead Educator- Informed Teachers Network added his voice to the call on teachers not to delay in entering scores until the revision week draws near.

“DO NOT WAIT UNTIL REVISION WEEK BEFORE YOU START GIVING YOURSELF AND THE CHILDREN PRESSURE. GETTING MARKS TO FILL SBA SHOULD NOT BE THIRD WORLD WAR. This is the right and less stressful way to go about it”.: He said in a post sighted by Ghanaeducation.org.

School-Based Assessment (SBA) is a system for collecting periodic information on pupils‘ learning status for the purpose of planning improvement programs in the performance of pupils.

According to Hon. Jerry Akporhor, the most appropriate way according to research is to do it at a monthly interval.

For the purpose of filling the SBA, you need Four different carefully planned Classroom Assessment Tasks (CAT).

WEEK 4: CAT1- FIRST CLASS TEST

WEEK 8: CAT 2- GROUP EXERCISE

WEEK 11: CAT 3- SECOND CLASS TEST

WEEK 12: CAT 4- COLLECTION OR INSPECTION OF PROJECT WORK WHICH WAS GIVEN OUT SINCE WEEK 2.

The stress-free School-Based Assessment for SMART teachers can help teachers avoid queries and pressure from head teachers and other supervisors if it is put into practice.

Source: Ghanaeducation.org

📊 Stakeholder Guidance & Contextual Analysis

As developments continue to unfold regarding Stress Free School-Based Assessment: How SMART teachers do it, educational administrators, teachers, and candidates across Ghana are advised to follow established guidelines. Aligning school operations with official Ghana Education Service (GES) circulars and Ministry directives remains essential for institutional coherence and academic planning.

Key Directives for Schools and Educators:

Administrative Alignment: School management and district directorates should cross-check official announcements before adjusting operational schedules.
Stakeholder Transparency: Maintain active communication channels across Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), teaching staff, and student bodies.
Continuous Oversight: Stay updated on supplementary directives issued by authorized public education authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does this update impact academic calendars and school operations?
A: School administrators are advised to incorporate official directives into current term plans while awaiting further formal clarifications. Refer to official channels for exact timelines.

Q: Where can educators verify authentic announcements?
A: Notices can be verified through official Ministry of Education releases, GES headquarters circulars, or accredited national education portals like GhanaEducation.org.