The Z score conundrum – what is taking so long?

As we all know the Head of the Department of Examinations, within the Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission, had decided to pool the two syllabi of the A levels and issued the Z score based on the old and new syllabus being equivalent. So to simplify, a score of 89 in each amounted to the same for the purposes of calculating the Z score, which was issued on December 25^th 2011, even though one exam might be more difficult, involve a completely different scoring base than the other.

The resulting furor, and subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court, only came in a ruling on June 25^th 2012, which I consider an inordinate delay, when comparing and evaluating the issue at hand, and importance of the determination for over 300,000 students who may be affected.

Despite the recommendation of the Court, the UGC, the Govt. committee appointed to recommend a solution, has as yet, (July7th) not come up with a definitive decision. The students still do not know if they can or not enter the University, as their score has not been finalized. The mental anguish the young people in Sri Lanka must go through must be immense. The Govt. does not seem to care, as those in the decision making role do not appear to care!! Of course the President of Sri Lanka, included, as he is perfectly aware of the importance and urgency, but does not seem to have the power to come to a firm timely decision.

Education for a young person is their livelihood. A delay of over 6 months at this stage is tantamount to career change and chances missed. Just because politicians do not see the urgency does not mean there is NO urgency. The reputation of the Sri Lanka A levels has suffered irreparable damage, only giving a fillip to the private sector that does not take heed of the local A levels, and instead train their charges to international O and A levels, that now seem to be a better bet, especially if one is able to afford it.

We are seeing a separation of haves and have-nots in Sri Lanka, where the have-nots are further disadvantaged by this Z score fiasco. This leads to the private sector students gaining an upper hand. This Govt. is has completely failed to satisfy the basic requirements of the free education system and appear by its action or inaction to further erode free public education rights of Sri Lanka. Critics can argue that the Politicians are in the pocket of the private sector bent on destroying the credibility of the public sector.