Govt Makes ‘U-Turn’ & Cancels Diagnostic Tests for 6yo Kids to Enter Standard 1, PMX Explains Why

The diagnostic tests previously proposed for six-year-olds entering Standard One have been cancelled, the Prime Minister has confirmed.

Speaking in Parliament today (27 January), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the decision followed concerns regarding the potential psychological impact on children and the possibility of discrimination.

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Previously, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that a special diagnostic screening test would be used to determine the eligibility of six-year-olds entering Standard One, effective 2027. She had noted that only students who met specific criteria via the test would be selected for early admission.

“Students may be psychologically impacted if deemed unqualified”

The Prime Minister asserted that the decision to cancel the tests was made after considering views from various parties and prioritising the continuous monitoring of student development through the joint roles of teachers and parents.

“The initial suggestion had merit as an assessment system, but we must consider that it may lead to discrimination,” Anwar clarified.

“For instance, if a child wants to attend Standard One or preschool but is deemed ‘unqualified’ or ‘not smart enough,’ it can have a profound psychological impact.”

Keeping up with global education trends

The Prime Minister further revealed that while some have called for delaying the school entry age for six-year-olds, Malaysia cannot afford to fall behind global education trends, noting that 137 countries have already adopted similar measures.

To support this policy, Anwar announced that this year’s budget will allocate an additional RM800 million to meet urgent needs, including the hiring of 18,000 new teachers.

He also emphasised that the existing Grade Four assessment test provides parents and teachers with at least two years to identify and make improvements to a student’s progress before they transition to Form One.

What do you think of this move by the government?

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