BAC calls for clear SPM exam SOP contingency plan
KUCHING: The Ministry of Education (MoE) is urged to come up with clear standard operating procedures (SOP) and contingency plans to deal with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2020 examinations scheduled for Feb 22 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brickfields Asia College (BAC) Education Group managing director Raja Singham said many were concerned with the impact of the pandemic on examination preparation and safety of students, parents, and those involved in conducting the examination in light of the recent surge in positive Covid-19 cases.
"We are confident that the government will do everything it can to ensure compliance with the SOP for the physical examination commencing Feb 22.
"MoE will have to release clear SOP early so it does not confuse or burden parents, students and teachers further," he said in a statement yesterday.
Raja questioned what should happen if a student or staff in an examination centre tested positive for the virus and hoped MoE has contingency plans should any issue arises.
"Additional exam sittings this year to help students progress and auto generated question bank based multiple-choice assessment used for professional certifications for all subjects with virtual proctoring can be considered as a Plan B for future sittings during the pandemic.
"Virtual proctoring allows for web-based exams to be monitored using facial recognition technology through the webcam of a computer, tablet or phone."
He said that students without access to devices must be helped - Pusat 1internet option, mobile internet options, using any device provided by family members, friends, the government or others wanting to help.
"The provision of additional exam sittings despite the extra work involved will ensure time is there to help these students get on with their studies with minimal delays. All exams should adopt greater innovation, fairness and empathy in approaching assessment this year," he added, much like international examination bodies which allow students to move on through different methods of assessment.
He also suggested that the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and private higher education institutions look at a more holistic university entry policy.
"The SPMFlix Portal which is fully funded by BAC Education has about 70,000 SPM students studying for free but there is so much more we need to do to help our students
"We need to offer solutions and targeted help to those in need by working together. There is a need to be creative, innovative, collaborative and embrace change for the future of our children and nation," he concluded.