MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, Contacts at MOE: CALL CENTER: 1416 Bureau of Basic & Secondary Education: 0886554670 / 0770728462/ 0886474774/ 0775964354 Bureau of Early Childhood Education: 0776658919 / 0776776344 1

1.0 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Ministry of Education is to provide quality education for all and prepare future leaders who are capable of handling the task of nation building, protecting our national heritage and enhancing the socio-economic growth and development for the sustenance of the Liberian state. 2.0 PHILOSOPHY OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM OF LIBERIA 2.1 We believe that the 21 st century Liberian Education System will provide equal access to quality education for all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, creed, gender, special needs, religious, or political affiliation. 2.2 We believe that the foundation of this educational system is based on the following Core (central) values ; Accountability and Commitment to duty, Commitment to excellence of performance. Transparency, Diligence and Moral rectitude. 2.3 We believe that the 21 st century Liberian Education will subscribe to the Liberian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which considers education as a fundamental human right. 2.1 We believe that the 21 st century Liberia Education will promote the health and well-being of its people to be technologically literate and life-long learners. 2.4. We believe that the 21 st century Liberia Education will provide a caring, nurturing, safe, and secured learning environment. 2.5 We believe that the 21 st century Liberia Education will prepare its people to become productive contributors to nation building through workforce development. 2.6 We believe that the 21 st century Liberia Education will function on decentralized administrative structures to ensure effective and efficient delivery of quality education for residents and citizens. 2

3.0 SCHOOL CALENDARS 3.1.1 Each public, private, mission, faith-based and parochial school is required to submit its Academic Calendar and Information Brochure to the Office of the District Education Officer for approval by the County Education Officer. 3.1.2 All schools should pattern their Academic Calendar after the National Academic Calendar. 4.0 INFORMATION BROCHURE 4.1 The brochure of each school should include all information for the whole year that parents and students need to know. This should include all fees and activities. 4.1 Schools that are eligible to graduate students (Kindergarten (KG-II) and Grade 12) must include graduation fees and breakdown of all fees. 5.0 INSTRUCTION The Ministry has the mandate to develop the human resource capacity for the Republic of Liberia. Therefore, the following are key in providing education by obtaining quality learning outcomes: 5.1 All instructional programs must be based on the National Early Childhood Education Curriculum and the Competence Based Curriculum for Grades 1-12. 5.1.2 Supplementary curricula and instruction support materials are allowed to foster instruction 5.1.3 The Education Law calls for a minimum of two hundred instructional days. 5.1.4 All schools- Early Childhood Education, Basic and Secondary Education schools will operate from December 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021. 6.0 READING The Ministry of Education places high emphasis on Reading and requires all school administrators to ensure that: 6.1 Reading as a stand-alone subject, should be taught five (5) periods per week. 6.1.2 Reading should be taught in all lower basic education schools (Grades 1 6) at least five periods a week (Monday -Friday). 6.2. THE 2020/21 NATIONAL READING BENCHMARKS The National reading benchmarks for the academic year 2020/21 is set as below: Benchmark per Grade Level Reading Comprehension (out of 5 questions) Oral Reading Fluency(ORF) correct Words per Minute(Cwpm)) Grade 1 Benchmark 40% 30 Grade 2 Benchmark 50% 35 Grade 3 Benchmark 60% 45 Grade 4 Benchmark 80% 60 Grade 5 Benchmark 100% 80 Grade 6 Benchmark 100% 100 6.2.1 It is expected that all school observe the reading benchmarks and make all efforts toward achieving it. 3

7.0 ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION In order to reduce the high percentage of overage enrolment, particularly in Lower Basic Education accelerated learning is encouraged. The following are some programs for which curricula and other policy documents have been developed. These programs condense six years of lower basic education into three years. 7.1 Accelerated Learning Program (ALP): 8-15 years of age This program covers the four core subjects-math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. It provides work life skills and learning readiness to prepare learners for school and for skills development aligned to transitioning into conventional school higher grades. 7.2 Accelerated Basic Education (ABE):15-35 years- This program covers the four core subjects-math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. It provides work readiness skills for learners. 7.3 Night Schools -Night schools -Night schools are regular academic schools which are conducted from 5:45 p.m. -10:00 p.m. Instruction is based on the national curriculum. 7.4 Night schools are also required to make use of the Accelerated Learning Programs to ensure retention and transition most if not all learners to Upper Basic Education. 7.5 Training opportunities for Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP) are available for all public, private, mission and faith-based schools. AE Coordinators can be contacted at the office of the County Education Officers. Note: The Alternative Education Division at the Ministry of Education Central Office can also be contacted. 0886517576/0777517576) 8.0 PRE-OPENING/ PREPARATORY ACTIVITES DATE ACTIVITY COMMENT(S) November 1-27, 2020 November 18-21 November 26-27 Registration Teachers Development Orientation Professional Old and new students School-led work shops Encourage Parents to participate in all school activities. November 1 30 School P.T.A meeting Schools are encourage to hold P.T.A meeting before the opening of school 4

9.0 ACADEMIC CALENDAR 9.1 All schools are required to begin classes on December 1, 2020 9.2 If for any reason a school is unable to begin classes on December 1, 2020, the Ministry of Education should be informed one month in advance. 9.3 The last five instructional days of the Marking period are to be used for assessment, period test/exams. 10.0 FIRST SEMESTER: DECEMBER 1, 2020 APRIL 30, 2021 (95 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS) FIRST MARKING PERIOD: DECEMBER 1, 2020 JANUARY 29, 2021 (35 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS) December1,2020 December 8, 2020 December 23, 2020 Jan 3, 2021 December 25, 2020 January 1, 2021 January 4, 2021 First Day of School Senatorial By-Election Christmas Break Christmas Day ( National Holiday) New year Day (National Holiday) Classes Resume SECOND MARKING PERIOD: FEBRUARY 1 MARCH 19. 2021 (33 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS ) February 11 Armed Forces Day (National Holiday) THIRD MARKING PERIOD AND EXAMS: MARCH 22 APRIL 30. 2021 Feb. 25 April 2, 2021 March 10, 2021 March 15, 2021 (28 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS) Classes Resume Decoration Day (National Holiday) JJ Roberts Birthday (National Holiday) 11.0 SECOND SEMESTER: MAY 1, 2021 AUGUST 31, 2021 (84 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS) FOURTH MARKING PERIOD: - MAY 3 JUNE 11, 2021 (27 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS) April 9, 2021 (Second Friday) National Fast & Prayer Day (National Holiday) May 14 National Unification Day (National Holiday) FIFTH MARKING PERIOD: JUNE 14 JULY 23,2021- (30 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS ) 5

May 25, 2021 African Liberation Day (working holiday) June 11 World Population Day (Working Holiday) June 16 Day of the African Child (Working Holiday) SIXTH MARKING PERIOD & FINAL EXAMS: JULY 27 AUGUST 31, 2021 (25 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS) June 26 August 24 World Drugs Day (Working Holiday) National Flag Day (National Holiday) 12.0 SUBJECT SCOPE AND SEQUENCE LOWER BASIC EDUCATION (Grade 1 6) CORE SUBJECT FREQUENCY COMMENTS Math 5 Reading 5 (Oral Reading Fluency, Comprehension, vocabulary, shared- writing, phonological awareness) General Science 3 1 period should be used for Health Science, simple science experiments should also be carried out Social Studies 2 Civics 1 The Civics curriculum has already be distributed Spelling & Phonics 3 1 Period for Spelling, 2 periods for Phonics Handwriting 2 Religious & Moral 1 Education English 5 P.E. 1 French 1 ELECTIVES Arts & Crafts, Computer Science, Agriculture Science, Home Economics, Liberian Culture & Dance, Music & Drama, Carpentry, Fine Arts, School administrators should ensure the provision of electives based on what s available or feasible. The frequency can be determined by the administration. UPPER BASIC EDUCATION (Grades 7 9) CORE SUBJECT FREQUENCY COMMENTS Math 5 English 5 Integrated Science 5 1 period should be for lab /experiments Literature 3 Social Studies 3 Religious & Moral Education 2 Civics 2 6

French 1 P.E 1 SECONDARY EDUCATION ART & HUMANITY Core Subjects Frequency Stem (Science) Frequency English 5 English 5 Mathematics 5 Mathematics 5 Civics 2 Civics 2 Economics 5 Biology (plus practical) 4 Biology (plus practical) 1 Chemistry (plus 4 Practical) Geography 4 Economics 1 History 4 Physics (plus Practical) 4 OPTIONS- (any two of the optional subjects) ART & HUMANITY STEM (SCIENCE) Subject Frequency Subject Frequency French 3 French 3 Arabic 3 Arabic 3 Literature in English 3 Technical Drawing 3 Accounting 3 P.E. 3 Christian/Islamic Studies 1 Christian /Islamic Studies 1 Religious & Moral Education 1 Religious & Moral Education 1 Computer Science 2 Computer Science 2 P.E. 2 Further Mathematics 2 Home Management 1 History 1 ( Home Economics) Commerce 1 Geography 1 Health Science 1 General Agriculture 2 7

SAMPLE SCHEDULE LOWER BASIC EDUCATION (GRADE 1-6) MORNING SCHOOL-One Session Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 7:30-7:55 D E V O T I O N 8:00-8:55 Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading 8:55-9:50 English English English English English 9:50-10:45 Math Math Math Math Math 10:45-11:10 R E C E S S 11:15-12:10 General Science General Science 12:10-1:05 Social Studies Social Studies General (lab activity) Social Studies Health Science Handwriting. 1:05-1:25 L U N C H 1:25-2:20 Spelling Phonics Phonics Rel.& Moral Ed. P.E Rel.& Moral Ed. French 2:20-3:00 Handwriting Elective Elective Elective. Elective 3:00 D I S M I S S A L SAMPLE SCHEDULE LOWER BASIC EDUCATION (GRADES 1-6) AFTERNOON SESSION Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1:00-1:10 DEVOTION DEVOTION DEVOTION DEVOTION DEVOTION 1:15-2:00 Math Math Math Math Math 2:00-2:45 English English English English English 2:45-3:30 Spelling Phonics General Science General Science Handwriting 3:30-3:45 L U N C H & R E C E S S 3:45-4:30 Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading 4:30-5:15 Civics Social Studies Social Studies Religious & Moral Rel.& Moral Edu 5:15-6:00 Social Studies Health Science French Education General Science (lab. activity) 6:00 D I S M I S S A L P.E 8

SAMPLE SCHEDULE UPPER BASIC EDUCATION (GRADES 7-9) Morning Session TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 7:30-7:55 Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion 8:00-8:55 Math Math Math Math Math 8:55-9:50 Integrated Integrated Creative Integrated Integrated Science Science Writing Science Science(lab) 9:50: -10:45 English English English English English 10:45-11:15 L U N C H & R E C E S S 11:15-12:10 Literature Religious & Literature Literature Elective Moral Education 12:10-1:05 Civics Creative Elective French Writing Elective 1:05-2:00 Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Rel. & Moral Education 2:00-2:55 French Elective Civics P.E. Integrated Science 3:00 D I S M I S S A L SAMPLE SCHEDULE UPPER BASIC EDUCATION (GRADES 7-9) Afternoon Session TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1:15-2:00 Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion 2:00-2:45 Math Math Math Math Math 2:45-3:30 English English English English English 3:30-3:45 Spelling Phonics General Science General Science Handwriting 3:45-4:30 L U N C H & R E C E S S 4:30-5:15 Literature Literature Literature Literature Literature 5:15-6:00 Civics Social Studies Social Studies Religious & Moral Education Rel.& Moral Edu 6:00 Social Studies Health Science French General Science (lab. activity) 3:00 D I S M I S S A L P.E 9

SAMPLE ARTS & HUMANITY DAILY SCHEDULE 10 TH -12 TH GRADES-One Session School TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 7:30-7:55 Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion 8:00-8:55 Math Math Math Math Math 8:55-9:50 OPTION-1 Biology Biology Biology Biology(lab) 9:50: -10:45 English English English English English 10:45-11:15 L U N C H / R E C E S S 11:15-12:10 Literature in Literature in Civics Literature in OPTION-3 English English English 12:10-1:05 Civics History History History History 1:05-2:00 Economics Geography Geography Geography Economics 2:00-2:55 French OPTION-2 Economics Civics OPTION-4 3:00 D I S M I S S A L SAMPLE STEM (SCIENCE STUDENTS) DAILY SCHEDULE 10 TH -12 TH GRADES-One Session School TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 7:30-7:55 Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion Devotion 8:00-8:55 Math Math Math Math Math 8:55-9:50 Biology Biology Biology(Lab) Biology Biology 9:50: -0:45 English English English English English 10:45-1:15 L U N C H & R E C E S S 11:15-2:10 Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry (lab) 12:10-1:05 Physics Physics Physics Physics Physics (lab) 1:05-2:00 French Civics Economics Civics Economics 2:00-2:55 OPTION-1 OPTION-3 OPTION 1 OPTION-1 OPTION-2 3:00 D I S M I S S A L 10

13.0 SCHOOL REGISTRATION All schools must obtain a valid 2020-2021 Operational Permit on or before November 13, 2020. 13.1 All Operational Permits are renewable annually. 13.2The school registration process begins at the Office of the District Education Officer. 13.3Permit processing fees are payable through Mobile Money account number 0886327573 13.4The Permit Regulations contain details of the processes and requirements for school registration. 13.5Late fees will also be charged in consonance with the School Permit Regulations 2020-2021. 14.0 SCHOOL-RELATED REVENUE PAYMENT All schools are required to have the following: 14.1 Business Registration. 14.2 Articles of Incorporation NOTE: 1. If a school is under an organization that already has an Article of Incorporation, the school will use the Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the organization during the payment at the Liberia Revenue Authority. 2. Proof of payment of Income Tax as well as the 10% of rental are key requirements of the permit process. 3. School Systems will be required to pay the permit fee for each school within its school system. Each school will use the TIN for the school system, if the school system has an Article of Incorporation. 4. All schools operating in rented buildings are required to pay 10% of the rent to the Revenue Collectorate. 5. School administrators are required to pay income tax for salaries above the threshold. 15.1 Operational Permit Fees Payment Note 15.1 Direct Transfer Payment of taxes from one account to another -that is from the tax payer s account to the Revenue Transitory Account at any Commercial Bank. 15.2 Orange or Lone Star Mobile Money platform 15.3 Any LRA Collectorate The 2020-20201Operational Permit should be displayed on the front bulletin board of the always. The school principal should present the Revenue Receipt upon request by a Minis representative 11

16.0 PENALTY The Ministry seeks strong partnership with all education stakeholders and appreciates the support being given through the provision of quality education of Liberian children. However, this partnership must be respected by all. 16.1All rules must be adhered to. In the unlikely event that any school is in violation, relevant punitive action(s) will be meted out against such violator. Some of the perceived violations include: 16.1. A Illegal Operation A school will be fined Five Hundred Liberian Dollars for each day of illegal operation. The fine will be paid into Government Revenue (LRA). 16.1B Corporal Punishment- The Ministry has zero tolerance for Corporal Punishment 16.1.C Flagrant disregard of other Ministry s regulations. 17.0 ELEVATION OF THE LEVEL OF A SCHOOL 17.1 A school must remain at the level for which an Operational Permit is given. Any school desirous of elevating its level must follow the requirements below. The approval of the school elevation will be reviewed and approved by the CEOs and attested by the Bureau authorized. Qualification of the teachers certified to teach at the new level Available space(s) to accommodate the new level Availability of science labs, Library play space if required per level. NOTE School elevation is done on an incremental basis- by class. 18.0 TUITION INCREMENT A school administrator cannot just increase fees. Below are the prerequisites for increasing tuition and fees. 18.1 Evidence of PTA engagement (minutes with decisions taken and justifications) written 18.2 Communication to the District Education Office with justifications School performance 18.3 Records on the LPSCE, JHSCE and WASSCE Exams 18.4 Tax Clearance (showing proof of compliance to the payment of school related taxes) Valid school Operational Permit 18.5A plan indicating proposed usage of additional fees 18.6Current salaries and proposed salaries of teachers 18.7 Evidence of school quality assessment report form from DEO 18.8. Letter of Approval from the Ministry of Education 19.0 INCREMENT PERMISSIBLE 19.1 No school will be permitted to increase tuition by more than 20% in a given Academic year. Early Childhood Education, Lower Basic, Upper Basic or Secondary Education 12

19.2 The Permit Regulation contains all of the required actions for the elevation of the level of a school. 19.3 This process begins at the office of the District Education Officer. One of the major requirements is the qualification of the teachers for the new level. 20.0 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION The Government of the Republic of Liberia will pay the LJHSCE fees for all Public School nine graders whose names are submitted to/through the WAEC Liberia Office. 20.1The Government of Liberia pays the WAEC fees for all 9 th Graders in public schools. 20.2 School administrators should not encourage the collection of FLEXIBILITY FEES. 20.3 No camping is allowed. 20.4 No school should deny a student from sitting the LJHSCE/LPSCE/WASSCE due to tuition arrears or project fees in the school. 21.0 THE LIBERIA PRIMARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMS 1. All 6 th graders will be required to sit the national examination. 2. The fees will be paid by the parents. 21.1A. REGISTRATION: 9 TH & 12 TH GRADERS 1. October 31, 2019 January 12, 2019 2. Submission of 7 th and 8 th grades records for 9 th graders- January 18, 2020 3. Submission of 10 th and 11 th grades records for 12 th graders- January 18,2020 NOTE: Deadline for submission of all grades: February 1 - March 2, 2020 1. Payment of fees at the school 2. Registration is done online NOTE: Only legally operated schools with permits will be allowed to begin any registration with WAEC. WAEC will not register the candidates of a school without permit. B. WAEC FEES 1. 6 TH GRADE (LPSCE) - LD $ 2,000.00 2. 9 TH GRADE (LJHSCE) - LD $ 5,000.00 3. 12 TH GRADE (WASSCE) - US $70.00 (LD Equivalent based on prevailing rate) 4. These fees are inclusive of the WAEC Customized Mathematical Set for 12 th and 9 th Graders. 5. 3 rd Graders to sit the Liberia Primary School Certificate Exams this 2020/2021 academic year. 6. Deadline: January 11, 2021 NOTE: There will be absolutely no registration after the deadline. EXAMS SCHEDULE 1. 12 TH GRADE: WASSCE 13

West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) for School Candidates, 2021 will begin on Wednesday, 22 nd April, 2021 and ends on Friday, 29 th May, 2021 2. 9 TH GRADE: LJHSCE The Liberia Junior High School Certificate Examinations (JHSCE) is expected to begin on Wednesday, 3 rd June, 2021 and end on Thursday, 4 th June, 2021. 3. 6 TH GRADE: LPSCE The Liberia Primary School Certificate Examinations (LPSCE) is expected to begin on Monday, 1 st June, 2021 and end on Tuesday, 2 nd June, 2021. Please note that the examination dates indicated above are Provisional Dates and are subject to change. Only schools with valid operational permits will be allowed to register their candidates. WAEC will ensure that the school is on the list of registered schools submitted by the Ministry of Education. ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS The Ministry of Education encourages all Basic Education Schools to participate in the National Spelling Bee. The Spelling Bee begins with the School Bee, then the District Bee, the County Bee and finally the National Bee. Competitions on Liberia s National Bee are encouraged. These activities are intended to improve Reading through vocabulary development. Other forms of competitions such as: Math Bee, Science Fair, Essays, Academic Debates, Quizzing, National song etc. should be carried out in schools to help improve learning outcomes. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Corporal punishment (beating, spanking, picking pin, pump tire, etc.) or any form of punishment that will cause physical or moral injury to a student is prohibited. Violators will be penalized as deemed necessary by the Ministry. This includes but is not limited to: Payment of fines into government revenue Suspension of operational permit Suspension of the perpetrator(s) from all teaching learning environment for a period not less than three (3) years Payment of medical bills of the victim STANDARD EVALUATION SYSTEM The grades for each Marking Period should be based on several forms of evaluation. Some of the evaluations include classwork, projects, homework, quizzes, class participation, and the Marking Period Test. Teachers should evaluate pupils fairly. 14

1. An average of the Marking Period Grades is added to the Period Test Grade. When both are averaged, it gives the Final Grade for the Marking Period. 2. The average of 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd Marking Period grades plus the examination grade form the final grade for the semester. 3. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. CURRICULUM AND LEARNING MATERIALS The approved National Curriculum of the Ministry of Education is the standard guide for instruction. However, in an effort to enrich learning outcomes, the inclusion of supplementary curricular and learning materials into the teaching -learning process is encouraged. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR TEACHERS ECE LOWER BASIC UPPER BASIC SECONDARY VOC.& TECH. SCH. N, KG Grades 1-6 Grades 7-9 Grades 10-12 C C B BSC Voc/Tech. Cert SCHOOL HEALTH & SAFETY 1. All school administrators and teachers must ensure full compliance to practices in School Safety Protocols. 2. Hand-Washing should be the hallmark of each school day. Teachers and caregivers should demonstrate proper hand washing. 3. Students, teachers and guests must wash their hands upon arrival at the school, before and after meals and after the use of the toilet. 4. Safe water supply must be provided for all students. 5. Schools should provide gender-sensitive toilets at every school. 6. A school should be inclusive. Ramps should be available at all schools to accommodate physically challenged students and others accessing the school building. Schools without school clinics are encouraged to establish a relationship with a nearby public or private clinic, so that students are treated on agreed terms in case of emergency GENERAL GUIDELINES 1. National songs such as the Lone Star Forever, the National Anthem and other songs should be taught and sung during devotion time, closing and other programs. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance should be taught likewise. 3. Standard English should be spoken by all in schools, especially by the teachers. 4. Teachers are to read the Code of Conduct and be in full compliance to all regulation therein. 5. Teachers must model good and acceptable behaviors at all times. GALA DAY CELEBRATION 1. Gala Day celebration must be limited to two school days only. Celebration on weekends is encouraged. 2. All schools are encouraged to participate in the national school census 15

PARADES 1. The ban on school parade still stands. Only authorized parades will be allowed. However, authorized parades must be done in the following ways: 2. The schedule of the parade should be included in the school Academic Calendar to be approved by the District Education Officer 3. Parades are not allowed on the main streets. Approved parades should be held at any of the Venues/sites: Football pitch mini stadium town hall, etc. SCHOOL HEALTH & SAFETY All school administrators are required to ensure compliance to School Health and Safety protocols: 1. Provide a Hand-washing buckets/drums(facility) and ensure compliance to the hand-washing protocols 2. The wearing of masks by all in the school at school. 3. Arrangement of seats, considering social distancing-at least 1 meter apart 4. Strengthen parent engagement through regular PTA meetings. 5. Provide a space for First-Aid for students. 6. Maintain close contact with the nearest clinic or hospital. (for emergency situations) DRESS CODE 1. School administrators and teachers should dress modestly. Remember, the students are watching. 2. The dress code for gala day celebration should meet low-cost. Schools should refrain from imposing /requesting for celebration regalia that are costly. 3. All schools should ensure that female students wear their hair in Country plaits or natural corn-row braids, all down. 4. Boys hair should be simply cut. No designs. 5. Weaves or Attachments are not allowed in school. 6. Students are to appear at school naturally without any form of make-up. (lipstick, eye latches) 7. Boys and girls should wear their uniform pants or skirts respectively around their waists and not below or above. 8. Boys are to wear regular pants and not skinny leg or G-Q. GIRLS EDUCATION 1. School administrators are encouraged to be supportive to every child s education, particularly the girl child. There should be no segregation because of gender. 2. Any form of sexual and violent based abuse is not permissible. 3. Teachers should see the students as their children. 4. Students should be respected. 16

PUBLIC SCHOOLS FEES Basic Education is TUITION- FREE! However, approved Registration and Activity Fees for Grade 1-9 will be paid. PAYMENT MODALITY Grades 1-6 payable in the office of the Registrar only Grades 7-9 Use Mobile Money platform. LOWER BASIC EDUCATION- (GRADES 1-6) ITEM AMOUNT Registration Fee $ 250.00 Activity Fee 750.00 TOTAL $ 1,000.00 UPPER BASIC EDUCATION (GRADES 7-9) PAYABLE THROUGH MOBILE MONEY ITEM AMOUNT Registration Fee $ 500.00 Activity Fee 1,500.00 TOTAL $ 2,000.00 SECONDARY SCHOOLS-GRADES 10-12 PAYABLE THROUGH MOBILE MONEY ITEM AMOUNT Registration $ 500.00 Activity Fee 2,500.00 TOTAL 3,000.00 OTHER FEES ITEM AMOUNT Entrance/Placement Test $ 500.00 Graduation Fee -12 TH Grade 5,000.00 Graduation Kindergarten 3,500.00 PUBLIC NIGHT SCHOOLS The operation of night schools requires electricity. Therefore, the fees at various levels of public night schools are higher than the day schools. The fees below are payable per semester through the Mobile Money platform. ITEM LOWER BASIC ALP II & III UPPER BASIC 7 th -9 th SECONDARY 10 th -12th Registration Fee $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $500.00 17

Electricity Fee 700.00 700.00 700.00 Maintenance Fee 600.00 600.00 600.00 Activity Fee 600.00 800.00 900.00 ID Card 550.00 550.00 550.00 ALP Material Fee 2,000.00 500.00 1,000.00 TOTAL $ 4,950.00 $ 3,650.00 $ 4,250.00 GRADUATION A. ELIGIBILITY FOR GRADUATION: The official classes eligible for graduation are a) Kindergarten b) Twelfth Graders B. GRADUATION ELEGIBILITY- FOR GRADE TWELVE a) Students participating in the ceremony must have passed the WASSCE. b) Graduation fees are collectable only after the WASSCE results are officially released. c) Students who failed the WASSCE are not allowed to participate in the Graduation ceremony. Students who fail in the WASSCE, will collect their documents from the school after the program. WASSCE RE-SITTERS EXAMS a) Opportunity to re-sit the WASSCE exists. WAEC Liberia conducts WASSCE re-sitters exams annually. The registration and examinations dates will be announced in August. PENALTY a) Should it be established that a school allowed a student who failed to participate in the Graduation Ceremony, the school will be penalized as deemed necessary by the Ministry, which may be: o A fine (that hurts) will be paid into Government Revenue. o Suspension of the school s Operation Permit. o Withdrawal/Banning of the principal from participating NOTE: The school administrator who will allow a student who has failed the WASSCE participation in the Graduation ceremony, will be penalized through the payment of fine into Government Revenue, or any other punitive action deemed necessary for such offence. 18

GRADUATION FEES 1. School administrators are encouraged to charge minimum amounts as Graduation Fees. 2. Graduation fees are payable only after the official release of the WASSCE results. 3. Schools are encouraged to charge minimum fees. 4. Graduation fee for public 12 th graders Must not exceed LRD $ 5,000.00. 5. Schools are requested to minimize the pomp and pageantry during graduation, given the economic situation. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AGE-APPROPRIATE ENROLMENT The Ministry of Education is seriously working towards age-appropriate enrollment at all levels. A high emphasis is placed on age-appropriate placement of young children. Below is the Age Appropriate Matrix which must be adhered to: ½ - 3 Years---- Beginners/Nursery 3-4 Years. Kindergarten I 4 ½ -5 Years Kindergarten (Pre-First Grade) REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Photocopy of Birth Certificate or Road to Health Card Completed Application Form Parent-Signed Admission Form Emergency Contact Numbers FEES FOR PUBLIC ECE SCHOOLS The Free and Compulsory Basic Education Policy does not cover or include Early Childhood Education. Therefore, the approved fees are charged at public ECE schools. $1,500 per year for GPE Supported schools -Bomi, Rivercess, River gee, Grand Kru, Sinoe and Maryland counties $ 3,500.00 -for ECD schools in Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Lofa, Grand Gedeh and Gbarpolu. MATERIALS & TEACHING STRATEGIES Teachers should make maximum use of toys. Many local hand-made materials can be used. The primary goal is that all children should be given enough time to play indoor and outdoor. Remember, the children learn as they play. Relevant books for children (including teacher-made books) (local or international) should be placed in the classroom to be used by the children. Visual aids with large objects and prints showing things relevant to children s culture must be placed at children s EYE level in the classrooms. Encourage language development through rhymes, songs, finger-plays and interactive activities which provide an opportunity for free oral expression. 19

All teaching-learning strategies should be activity-based and child-centered. SCHOOL FORMS/COMMUNICATION Communication between the school and the home is very important. Below is a sample form that can be used to communicate with the parents: SAMPLE TAKE-HOME FORM Date: Dear Parent, This is to inform you that your child Musu Johnson of Grade: 1 A. Fell off the swing today and stained light wound. The teacher applied first aid, but we request that you kindly observe him. B. ------------- Had fever today. We sponged him to cool his temperature. Kindly observe him/her. C. ----------- Did not have lunch. His friends had to share with him. Kindly ensure that he/she comes with lunch or money to buy food daily. D. ---------- He/she was picked up very late today. A fee is charged for late pick up. E. ----------- The teacher reported that he/she uses profanity in class. Kindly investigate to change the behavior as we at the school are working with him/her as well. Drop off & Pick Up Procedures Students pick-up time should be communicated to all parents and mounted on the F. --------- Has improved in his/her lessons. Keep on working with him/her to do more. Signed: The Principal NOTE Students must never be left alone on school campus. One of the following persons must always be with child/children who over-stay: Principal, Registrar, teacher or caregiver and in most cases, a female is preferred. Parent must communicate with school administration in a case of a second or third party picking up of the child. DO NOT LEAVE ANY CHILD ALONE WITH THE JANITOR/SECURITY. FURNITURE/FURNISHINGS Age-appropriate tables and chairs should be used in pre-schools. Use age-appropriate furniture in Kindergarten in preparation for 1 st Grade Slates should be available in the classroom. Soft Furnishings are highly recommended: mats, rugs, cardboards, blankets, cushions, etc. LEARNING SPACE Indoor space: the standard classroom space is 24 x 25 for 30 children and at least 2 teachers) to move around. Outdoor space: Playground, children must have enough space to play freely. Wood and rubber playground equipment are encouraged. 20

Children must have play-based activities to do all throughout the day to keep them involved. SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE 8:30-9:00 Arrivals and Morning Work/Activities. My kids arrive at all different times. 9:00-9:40 Circle Time- (attendance, Singing, Rhymes, other recitals, theme discussion etc) 9:40-10:30 Reading Readiness. 10:45-11:45 Math Readiness 11:45-12:15 Lunch and Recess 12:15-12:35 Quiet Time / Nap Time 12:35-1:30 Story Time 1:30-2:20 Play to Learn. (free guided play) 2:25-2: 40 Clean-up 3:00 - D I S M I S S A L THE PLEDGE I pledge allegiance to the flag of Liberia and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. THE LONE STAR When Freedom raised her glowing form FOREVER On Montserrado's verdant height, She set within the dome of night, Midst lowering skies and thunderstorm, The star of Liberty! And seizing from the waking morn, Its burnished shield of golden flame, She lifted it in her proud name, And roused a nation long forlorn, To nobler destiny! Written By. Daniel B. Warner Music By: Olmstead Luca REFRAIN The lone star forever! The lone star forever! Unfurled in the currents of heaven's pure breeze, O long may it float o'er land and o'er seas Desert it? No! Never! Uphold it? ay, ever! O shout for the lone-starred banner, Hurrah! 21 Then speeding in her course, along SHOW THE LIGHT, THE PEOPLE The broad WILL Atlantic's FIND THE golden WAY strand, She woke reverb'rant through the land A nation's loud triumphant song, The song of Liberty!