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In a decisive move to address widespread delays in Continuous Assessment Score (CAS) uploads, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, has delivered a stern ultimatum to school leaders.
Speaking at a meeting with the Teaching Service Commission yesterday, the minister expressed frustration over the persistent failure of many schools to meet their CAS submission deadlines, emphasizing the severe consequences for pupils.
“Enough is enough!” Minister Sackey declared. “Too many schools are failing to upload their Continuous Assessment Scores, putting thousands of pupils’ futures at risk. Let me be clear—this is unacceptable.”
The CAS upload process is crucial, as incomplete uploads result in a 30% deduction in pupils’ final scores, potentially jeopardizing their academic progression. Minister Sackey stressed that this issue persists even in urban areas like Western Urban, where internet connectivity is not a significant challenge. Meanwhile, rural schools with limited connectivity have been able to meet the deadlines, further highlighting the lack of accountability among some school leaders.
Minister Sackey issued a 24-hour ultimatum to all school leaders, requiring them to respond to an official query explaining their failure to complete CAS uploads. He outlined clear consequences for non-compliance:
Government Schools: Non-performing school leaders will face removal from their posts following consultations with unions.
Private Schools: School proprietors will be required to replace ineffective leaders or risk losing their operational licenses.
Minister Sackey emphasized that the government has provided extensive support to facilitate CAS uploads, including IT assistance and internet access. “We’ve done everything possible to support you, but I will no longer accept excuses,” he said.
He appealed to school leaders to act not just out of compliance but out of a sense of responsibility to safeguard pupils’ futures and maintain the integrity of the education system. “This is about our pupils, who trust us to provide them with a fair chance,” he added.
The minister also called on parents, educators, and stakeholders to hold school leaders accountable for timely CAS uploads. His hardline stance underscores the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every pupil receives a fair opportunity to succeed.
As the 24-hour deadline looms, all eyes are on school leaders to rise to the occasion and fulfill their obligations. Failure to act could lead to significant disruptions in school leadership and operations, with the ministry determined to put pupils’ interests first.
