New online training helps senior and vocational teachers sharpen assessment skills

According to KDRTV, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has opened a three-week online training programme designed to equip senior school and vocational teachers with assessment skills. The short course is being delivered via a digital platform and targets educators who are responsible for evaluating learners under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the quality of classroom assessment and ensure that grading reflects the mastery of strands and sub-strands outlined in the curriculum.

What the announcement says

At present, the public release does not provide further specifics such as the exact dates, the registration process, the cost of participation, or the platform that will host the sessions. Parents and teachers are therefore advised to await additional communications from KNEC for clarification on these points before making any commitments. It is also unclear whether the training will be mandatory for all teachers or offered on a voluntary basis, and whether any certificates will be awarded upon successful completion.

Why this matters for Kenyan families

Assessment lies at the heart of the CBE system, translating the learning that takes place in the classroom into grades that determine a learner’s next steps. When teachers are better equipped to design and mark tasks that align with the prescribed strands and sub-strands, the results become a more accurate reflection of what each child truly knows. For families, this can mean clearer insight into strengths and gaps, allowing more targeted support at home.

When assessment practices improve, parents can also benefit from more meaningful report-card comments that go beyond a single letter grade. Detailed feedback linked to specific learning outcomes enables caregivers to discuss concrete examples of progress with their children, reinforcing the learning loop that CBE encourages. Moreover, transparent assessment builds confidence in the education system, reassuring families that the qualifications their children earn are credible and recognised across Kenya. It also helps families plan for extracurricular activities that complement academic growth.

Implications for teachers and schools

For teachers, the three-week online course represents a focused professional development opportunity that aligns with the Ministry of Education’s emphasis on continuous learning. By sharpening skills in constructing assessment tasks, using rubrics, and providing constructive feedback, educators can enhance classroom practice without having to leave their schools. The digital format also allows teachers in remote or under-resourced areas to participate, potentially narrowing the gap between urban and rural assessment standards. Such up-skilling can also contribute to teacher appraisal scores under the new teacher performance framework.

Schools may need to adjust timetables to allow teachers to attend the online sessions, especially if the training is scheduled during regular teaching hours. Administrators could also consider integrating the new assessment techniques into existing lesson plans, ensuring that the learning activities for each strand are accompanied by appropriate evaluation tools. By doing so, schools can create a coherent cycle of teaching, learning and assessment that aligns with the CBC’s competency-based goals.

Keeping your child learning during the training period

While teachers are engaged in the online programme, parents can continue to support their children’s learning by focusing on the current term’s learning objectives. Reviewing the weekly lesson plans that schools provide, and checking that the activities match the relevant strands, helps families stay on track. Simple home-based tasks such as summarising a science experiment, practising a mathematical problem-solving strategy, or discussing a historical event can reinforce classroom instruction. Encouraging the child to explain what they learned in their own words also deepens comprehension.

If a school break coincides with the training weeks, families can use the holiday to explore supplementary resources that align with the CBC curriculum. The CBCEduKenya website hosts printable worksheets, interactive quizzes and video lessons for each grade, which can be filtered by strand. Engaging with these materials not only prevents learning loss but also gives children the chance to practise skills at their own pace, building confidence for the upcoming assessments.

Practical steps parents can take now

Parents can start by reviewing the assessment criteria that teachers use for each subject, which are usually posted on the school’s notice board or shared via WhatsApp groups. Understanding the expectations for each strand enables caregivers to ask focused questions and to monitor progress at home. Additionally, families may wish to download grade-specific revision packs from the CBCEduKenya portal, such as the Grade 8 materials or the Grade 9 materials, to reinforce key concepts.

Establishing a regular study routine, for example a half-hour each evening devoted to reviewing the day’s lessons, helps embed new knowledge. Parents should also keep in touch with teachers to receive updates on any changes that may arise from the KNEC training, and to request clarification on assessment feedback. By staying proactive, families can ensure that any improvements in teacher assessment practice translate into tangible benefits for their child’s learning journey. A supportive environment at home complements the classroom effort and fosters lifelong learning habits.