Time To Exhale GSAT Students

Now that the GSAT results were released, some test takers can breathe a sigh of relief. The expectation of passing the test means that these young children must carry a weight on their shoulders and can only release this weight if they pass the test and are assigned to a “good” school. One student‘s account of preparation indicates that attending church was the only break away from preparing for the test. This student is not alone since a great deal of pressure is placed on other young minds.  As such, parents contribute to a stressful atmosphere since parents generally expect their children to attain high scores so as to be assigned to a “good” school. In addition, stress is transmitted by teachers whose rate of passes is regarded as an indication of the teacher’s proficiency. Principals are also involved in the student’s stress since the Ministry of Education regards the results as a reflection of the school’s success or failure. Those students who take extra lessons must contend with additional pressure to pass since the instructor’s reputation is associated with the number of passes. The pressure of students to pass even extends to some communities as residents celebrate in the streets on hearing that a school has produced a number of passes. Finally, students are stressed on knowing that they must achieve high scores to be considered by the Ministry of Education for a “good” school. Those students who pass the exam can exhale and relax during summer. But, those who do pass must endure another year of pressure from parents, teacher, principal, extra lessons instructor, community, and the Ministry of Education. Is this what we want for our children?