The Minister of Preschool and Primary Education shared his opinion on the debate about whether to maintain or abolish the Primary School Certificate (CEP) exam. This took place on July 28th in Porto-Novo during a meeting with media professionals.
On the matter, Minister Salimane Karimou believes that “evaluation is always necessary.” According to the authority responsible for the Department of Preschool and Primary Education, all countries that have chosen to abolish this exam are tempted to reconsider.
Using France as an example, the minister explained that the CEP has been abolished there, but there is an assessment conducted for students before entering middle school in French and mathematics. This assessment, he clarifies, is not done by teachers but by the academic institution. The goal is to assess the level of each student to determine how to support them.
In other words, according to Minister Salimane Karimou, assessment is still important to determine if the student has grasped the educator’s teachings. Moreover, he points out that people continue to present the CEP diploma to secure positions in the administration.
For instance, in France, the minister noted, the class average is considered for the baccalaureate. Can we do the same in Benin? “I have heard teachers say they have finished the curriculum since March. They have finished the curriculum, but do they know if the student has learned?” To find out, the minister concludes, assessment is what enables it.
