[stephenkhoo]

This is a recurring topic of late and much focus for parents... I like to share something with you

I was the 1st batch of EM3 streaming by MOE in 1979 under Tony Tan then Education Minister. Similarly I was the 2nd batch of PSLE in 1982.
I understand what everyone is going though today and I think I have something to say. PSLE or EM3 was initially the brainchild of late Goh Keng Swee. If my understanding is correct and factual, he was then Minister for Defence during the 70s and he was puzzled why 18 year old couldn't comprehend simple english instructions. After some findings he discovered that some are not taught the proper syllabus. To circumvent this issue he then decided to stream students base on their learning abilities. Probably we learn from some European countries? I am not fully sure. But I know in Germany they have a similar program to stream children into different areas minus the PSLE pressure.
I belive PSLE or EM3 started out with good intention to help students learn at their own pace. As with any system, governance and effeciency come into play with results. Therefore I can only say the PSLE today is remarkably different from the original PSLE plan. Its has become a benchmark for students and schools to compete and rank. Education is not about ranking, its not a track and field event. Education is a life long process of knowledge building, the core of education is to mould us into people of virtues and integrity. With knowledge we build virtues and integrity at every phase of our life, that is called experience. Couple this we can then contribute to society and lift up the standards of living and creat better opportunities for everyone around us. This would then translate into better homes, better families and a better people.