WHP teachers oppose OBE

FRUSTRATED teachers in the Western Highlands have requested for a public forum with education authorities within 20-days.
 At a meeting yesterday they said  they are unhappy with the results of the new outcome based education (OBE) reform.
In a rally organised by the teachers in Mt Hagen last Friday, they said they felt it was prime time they pointed out, as implementers of OBE, the successes and failures, as well as suggestions on the reform.
They said on numerous occasions, their cries had always fallen on deaf ears, but this time,  they were speaking out for the sake of the future generation.
The teachers group, in what they call the Teacher Rights Movement, is made up of teachers from elementary, primary, high and secondary schools in the province.
They all signed a petition which they delivered to relevant authorities to address and organise the forum
in 20 days’ time.
Team leader, Nius Rom, who is also Hagen Park Secondary Grades 11 and 12 history teacher, said it was time answers to teachers questions were given face to face.
Some questions the teachers raised were whether the aims and objectives set in the last 15 years were achieved.
They also raised the concern if the education that was provided was quality and relevant to the society.
They asked whether or not the reform appropriately accommodated for the 85% of the population who leave school after Grades 10 and 12, enabling them to be self-reliant in their community.
Among other issues, they also asked if the reform fulfilled the first national goals and directive principles especially integral human development.
Rom said after the 20 days, they were hoping for the relevant authorities like the PNG Teachers Association and Teaching Service Commission to address them and organise a public debate.