Education Ministry still mum on DLP 2019

IT’S already October yet the Education Ministry is still to make any announcements concerning the Dual Language Programme (DLP) for next year.

Instead of focusing on petty issues like the colour of shoes and socks for students, the Education Minister should concentrate on pushing for the teaching and learning of Science and Maths in English as promised in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto. Our children’s future should be the priority.

The Education Ministry should allow those students currently in non-DLP classes from Form 1, 2 and 3 to join DLP classes next year if they want to. Don’t sideline them; they should be given the same rights to learn Maths and Science in English.

Currently, when a student is assigned into either a DLP or nonDLP class in Form 1, he will not be able to switch classes (DLP to nonDLP and vice versa) until Form 4. This rule should be changed to allow students to switch, at least once, especially in those schools that have both DLP and non-DLP classes.

If students are good in English and can cope with learning Maths and Science in English, then the Education Ministry should let them join the DLP class. Those in the DLP class who later find that they cannot cope with learning Maths and Science in English should be allowed to transfer back to a normal class. Let the students and parents make their own choices.

The Education Ministry must not drag its feet on this. Take action now.