A recent review of the National Curriculum 2022 has revealed critical issues rendering it unfeasible for implementation, according to the Education Ministry.
Comprehensive field-level experiences, stakeholder feedback, and extensive research have underscored substantial deficiencies in the curriculum's execution.
Key concerns include significant gaps in teachers' preparation, a lack of clarity in the curriculum content, and widespread negative perceptions about the assessment methods.
Additionally, a severe shortfall in institutional capacity further complicates the curriculum's practical application.
The findings suggest that without addressing these fundamental issues, the curriculum cannot be effectively implemented in its present form. The government is expected to initiate major revisions to address these challenges and ensure a more feasible approach to educational reform.
On Sunday, a notice, signed by Deputy Secretary Mst. Rahima Akhter, highlighted the significant gaps identified through field experiences and stakeholder feedback, marking the current curriculum as unfeasible for implementation.
On August 18, Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud hinted at a potential rollback to the previous educational curriculum, criticizing the current system introduced under the Awami League government as "not feasible."
The adviser said: “This curriculum is not feasible. We are reviewing how we will transition back to the earlier education system.”
The adviser assured that any changes would be implemented in a manner that minimizes disruption to students' studies.
“We will go back to the previous curriculum, but we will do so in a way that ensures no discomfort for students,” the adviser noted.
In response to a query, the adviser said that the initial steps toward curriculum reform and the development of a modern education policy are necessary.
“Once time permits, we will promptly initiate the process to overhaul the curriculum,” he added.
The curriculum reform initiated by the Awami League government in 2012 sought to enhance the educational framework by fostering creativity and integrating information technology, aligning with the National Education Policy of 2010.
This initiative was part of a broader strategy to modernize education and move away from rote memorization and traditional testing methods. The new curriculum began its phased implementation in 2023.
Instructions for schools
According to Ministry of Education sources, in response to significant concerns about the National Curriculum 2022, the government has issued urgent instructions addressing gaps in teacher preparation, unclear content, and insufficient institutional capacity.
The revised guidelines indicate that textbooks for 4th and 5th grades will be updated to ensure continuity with existing materials for pre-primary and grades 1 through 3.
This update will include changes to teaching methods and assessment procedures, aligning more closely with the National Curriculum 2012.
Textbooks for grades 6 through 9 will remain in use through 2024, with revised versions to be introduced in 2025.
During 2024, students in these grades will be assessed using updated evaluation methods.
According to the instructions, any incomplete subject-based assessments will be discontinued, while annual exams for grades 6 to 9 are scheduled to take place by December 2024 based on a new assessment framework, with guidelines to be distributed to schools shortly.
For the 2025 academic year, students advancing to 10th grade will use textbooks based on the revised National Curriculum-2012 for their SSC and equivalent exams set for 2026.
The new textbooks will cover Science, Humanities, and Business Studies, with a streamlined syllabus to be completed within the academic year.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive revision of the curriculum will be finalized in 2025 with input from a wide range of experts, including educators, curriculum specialists, and community representatives.
This revised curriculum will be fully implemented starting in 2026.
The new directives, approved by the relevant authorities, are effective immediately.
