The Education Ministry this evening denied a claim by Labour leader Joseph Muscat that it had kept the results of a science and maths teaching survey under wraps. It said the results were published last December and were still featured on its website.

In the morning, Dr Muscat urged the education authorities to publish the results of the survey, which assessed the effectiveness of the teaching of maths and science in Malta.

Dr Muscat said the Trends in International Maths and Science Survey was held last year but the results were never revealed.

It appeared, the Labour leader said, that the authorities had decided not to publish the results because, unfortunately, they showed that the country was not adequately preparing its students when compared to other countries.

Recognising a problem was a first step towards its solution, he said.

Dr Muscat was speaking at the end of a three-day consultation exercise on education held by the Labour Party and involving many sectors of education.

In his speech Dr Muscat said education should not be a political football, although that did not mean that the Opposition did not criticise when it was justified in doing so.

He also complained that many of the problems in the education sector were well known. So were the solutions, but they took too long to filter to the classrooms.

In his comments during a discussion with pupils, Dr Muscat also criticised the fact that it was taking too long for assistance to be given to children who were identified, even at kindergarten, as having learning difficulties.

He also asked the authorities to explain how applications for the Junior Lyceum exam had not been issued yet, saying this too added stress.

EDUCATION MINISTRY REACTION

The Education Ministry in a reaction to Dr Muscat’s remarks said the results of the survey which Dr Muscat had spoken about were published last December 12 and were still featured on the ministry’s website.

The results were also published in the Science Magazine of the Education Division and a conference would be held next month about the teaching of science.

It was therefore not true that the results were kept under wraps, the ministry said. Dr Muscat had not verified the facts.

The ministry also said there were Learning Support Assistants even at kinder.

On the Junior Lyceum, the ministry pointed out that a consultation document on the transition from primary to secondary schooling was launched in November. This also involved the Junior Lyceum. A number of suggestions about this exam were being considered.

Applications for the exam would be issued after decisions were taken on the basis of the consultation.