IPNews-Monrovia, Liberia-26 June 2018: The Kakata Rural Training Institute (KRTTI) in Kakata, Margibi County, has graduated about 140 trainees from its Cohort-9 Pre and In-Service “C” Certificate Teacher Training Program.

Giving the overview of the Cohort-9 2017/ 2018 Academic Year over the weekend at the graduation ceremony, KRTTI Director Shadrach Y. Kerl said since his ascendency in 2015, his administration continued to engage problems at the school in two crucial ways.

According to him, the ways involved quality academic performance-based processes by giving pre-test (diagnostic test) to determine trainees’ prior knowledge. The diagnostic test, according to Director Kerl, determines how the trainers should proceed with the academic and or instructional process knowing the trainees individual and collective knowledge levels.

“Another test called post-test is administered to indicate whether there’s an improved behavioral change varying between entry knowledge and post-entry knowledge” Mr. Kerl disclosed.

He noted that these instructional processes can inform the trainers to provide remedial sessions to close learning gaps that may be noticed.

Additionally, the KRTTI Director said the third phase goes beyond the two, and is the Basic Skills Test, which is referred to as the screening test and distinguishes those who are fit and those unfit to continue with the mainstream program.

“We are therefore propelling to recommend that our education system be strengthened from the foundation level through high school. Hiring of qualified teachers is crucial to achieve the national goal of education,” Mr. Kerl maintained.

Dr. Cecelia Cassell, Dean at the William V.S. Tubman Teachers College of the University of Liberia, serving as keynote speaker, stressed the importance of teacher’s education- adding, “Teacher’s education is vital to national development and sustainable peace in any nation.”

Dr. Cassell also stated that it is through teacher’s education that teachers acquire the knowledge and skills needed to help transform citizens for the betterment of a nation and as such, keen attention should be placed on teacher’s education through the country’s national development agenda.

“If Liberia must compete with the rest of the world, huge investment must be made in teacher’s education. As we strive to pull expertise and resources to produce the caliber of teachers to effectively impact the education sector of Liberia, I ask our partners to join us in making this a reality by investing in teacher’s education,” Dr.  Cassell pointed out.

She claimed that if Liberian teachers get the requisite pedagogical content knowledge and motivation, they will be well prepared for the task ahead.

She, however, challenged the graduates to go and assist in changing those things that are considered as mess in the educational system. She also inspired the younger generation to do new things so that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated.

“Try to do all you can to bring out the best in your students. Awaken them to their dreams and inspire them to go the extra mile in order to achieve whatever goals they wish to accomplish,” she concludes.