What the end of the “mean score” means for parents under CBE

The Daily Nation reports that the traditional ‘mean score’ used to rank schools has been removed under the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

What the media reports

According to Daily Nation, the “mean score” that previously measured school performance in national rankings is no longer part of the assessment framework under CBE. The article notes that this change reflects a shift in how success is evaluated, moving away from a single numerical average.

At this stage, further detail has not yet been confirmed, and the publication does not specify how the new ranking criteria will be calculated or what immediate effects schools may experience. Parents and teachers are therefore advised to await official guidance from the Ministry of Education.

Why the shift matters for Kenyan families

Removing the mean score signals a broader move toward assessing learners on mastery of specific strands and sub-strands rather than a single aggregate figure. For families, this means that a child’s progress will be looked at more holistically, with attention to competencies such as critical thinking, communication and practical application. Understanding this shift helps parents appreciate that a lower rank does not automatically indicate poorer learning outcomes.

The new focus encourages families to create learning environments that nurture the whole learner. When success is measured through demonstrated skills, parents can support their children by engaging in activities that develop problem-solving, creativity and collaboration, aligning with the CBE emphasis on real-world relevance.

Practical ways to respond include:

• Discussing daily school activities and asking children to explain what they have learned in each strand.
• Celebrating achievements in specific competencies rather than overall grades.
• Linking household chores or community projects to the “practical application” sub-strand.

What it means for teachers and schools

Teachers will now need to provide evidence of student achievement across each strand, using a variety of assessment tools such as portfolios, projects and performance tasks. This change may require schools to adopt new reporting formats that highlight competency mastery rather than a single average mark. Educators are likely to receive professional development to align their lesson plans with the revised assessment approach.

Schools may also adjust how they communicate progress to parents, offering detailed breakdowns of strengths and areas for improvement in each sub-strand. This transparency can foster stronger home-school partnerships, as parents gain clearer insight into the specific competencies their child is developing.

To support the transition, teachers might:

• Adopt rubrics that map directly to the CBC strands - for example, a rubric for “communication” that assesses oral presentation, written expression and listening skills.
• Integrate regular peer-assessment and self-assessment activities that encourage learners to reflect on their own mastery.
• Share exemplar work samples with parents during parent-teacher meetings, illustrating what competency mastery looks like.

How to keep your child learning regardless of ranking changes

Even as the ranking system evolves, the core learning objectives of the CBC remain the same. Parents can continue to reinforce classroom learning by reviewing the weekly lesson plans and discussing the key concepts covered in each strand. Encouraging children to keep a learning journal or a digital portfolio can help them reflect on what they have mastered and identify gaps that need attention.

Utilising free resources such as the Grade 8 materials or the PP1 resources can provide additional practice in literacy, numeracy and life skills. Regular reading, hands-on experiments and community projects align with the competency-based approach and keep learners engaged regardless of how schools are ranked.

Additional strategies for continuous learning include:

• Setting up a “skill of the week” challenge that targets a specific sub-strand, such as critical thinking puzzles or communication drills.
• Joining local study groups or library programmes that reinforce the same CBC strands taught at school.
• Using everyday situations - for example, budgeting for a family meal - to practise numeracy and problem-solving.

Practical steps parents can take now

First, schedule a brief meeting with your child’s teacher to understand how progress will be reported under the new system. Ask for examples of the assessment tools being used and request copies of any rubric that outlines expectations for each strand. This will give you a concrete reference point for supporting your child’s learning at home.

Second, set aside a consistent weekly study time where you review assignments, discuss any challenges and celebrate achievements in specific competencies. Use checklists that mirror the CBC strands - such as “communication”, “critical thinking” and “practical application” - to track growth. By staying informed and actively involved, you can help your child thrive in the evolving CBE landscape.

Finally, keep an eye on official communications from the Ministry of Education and your school’s newsletters. As the new ranking criteria are clarified, schools will likely provide updated reporting templates. Being proactive now will make the adjustment smoother for both you and your child.