PETALING JAYA: Preschool classes will be expanded throughout educational institutions under the Education Ministry.

In a statement on Tuesday (April 30), the ministry said the expansion of preschool classes ensures that the issue of student dropout can be addressed from an early stage.

Focus will also be given to the development of teacher professionalism.

"Various programmes are offered to improve the competence and professionalism of teachers in the service.

"Recently, the ministry introduced the Learning Management System (SiPP) platform to meet the needs of teachers' digital competence," the ministry said.

The ministry's response came following the recent release of the World Bank Malaysia Economic Monitor (MEM) report entitled "Bending Bamboo Shoots: Strengthening Foundational Skills" on the country's education system.

According to the report, approximately 24% of Malaysian children entering primary school still lack school-readiness skills.

"By the end of Grade Five, 42% of students cannot read a grade-appropriate paragraph with comprehension. By the age of 15, Malaysian students lag behind aspirational peers in reading, mathematics and science as measured by international assessments," read the report that was launched at Sasana Kijang in Kuala Lumpur on April 25.

The report also highlighted gaps in teacher training, particularly in differentiated instruction and special needs education.

In addition, the report said approximately 40% of Grade Five students mentioned occasional or frequent teacher absences, compared to under 10% in high-performing Vietnam.

The ministry said the main points touched on in the World Bank report, such as the quality and access of preschool education, student competency and the development of teacher professionalism, are areas of focus for the ministry.

"The ministry is currently implementing various important initiatives to reform national education. These include the restructuring of the preschool system, (introducing) the 2027 School Curriculum and (implementing) curriculum interventions to address dropout.

"The ministry is committed to ensuring that the desire to reform national education succeeds. It is an ongoing effort that requires the commitment, cooperation and support of all parties," it added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/30/education-ministry-to-expand-preschool-classes-develop-teachers