‘Significant improvements recorded in early grade students' performance’

AMMAN — Education Minister Omar Razzaz on Tuesday announced “significant improvements” in the performance of early grade students in the subjects of reading and mathematics. 

The announcement came as a result of the Jordan’s 2017 Early Grade Reading and Mathematics Survey, which assesses the results of the ministry’s Early Grade Reading and Mathematics Initiative (RAMP) implemented in all public schools across the Kingdom with the support of the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Through the RAMP initiative, the ministry trained public school teachers from all governorates to improve the learning outcomes in reading and math for early grades’ students, and mobilised parents to support their children in developing reading habits. 

The assessment showed that grade 2 students are performing one year above the standard level as per the 2014 assessment, and a significant progress was recorded in most foundational mathematical skills. 

The study predicted that 80 per cent of the students in the early grades would be reading at their expected level within the next five years. 

The survey was conducted at the end of the 2016-2017 school year, with a sample of 4,800 grade 2 and 3 students. 

“I am truly happy to be presenting these positive results on this occasion, which coincides with the World Teacher Day,” Razzaz said. 

“I want to stress our confidence in the fact that teachers are not the problem, but the solution to the issue of improving children’s education. That is why they should be provided with the necessary tools to fulfil their mission,” the minister continued. 

“We are only at the beginning of the journey, and we look forward to achieving that rate of 80 per cent of children being able to properly read and demonstrate their math skills,” said Razzaz, explaining that the ministry will institute a yearly assessment for all grade 3 students starting this academic year in order to identify and better address learning issues. 

US embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Jim Barnhart congratulated the ministry on the accomplishments, stating that “education remains of utmost importance to Jordan’s economic growth and stability”.

He stressed that the RAMP programme has been data driven since its inception and noted how “vital” it is to be able to see concrete results. 

UK Ambassador Edward Oakden praised the ministry on its “commitment to achieve the objectives of the RAMP initiative and to improve the quality of education in the Kingdom”.

“We see education as a fundamental element in the bilateral relations between the UK and Jordan,” said the ambassador, noting “together with our partners, we are investing in Jordan’s future, helping to ensure every child fulfilsits potential”.