The author and publisher of the Prof. Quarm series, Albert Joseph Quarm, whose latest textbook for primary pupils has stirred a huge controversy, has fired backed at his critics saying his ‘Natural Science for Primary Schools’, was duly assessed by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
His claim somewhat contradicts a statement by the Ministry of Education which said the textbook was not approved by the GES.
“It must be noted that the book in question is not the approved textbook for schools under the Ghana Education Service. We can however, confirm that there is only one approved primary 1 textbook titled ‘Natural Science for Primary Schools: Activity-Based Pupils’ Book 1’ jointly authored by Peter Asiedu, Henric Atta Baa-Yeboah and Ebenezer Agyiri Domptey. On page 62 of this particular book, it is indicated that “our head contains the brain which helps us to think.”
“The Ministry wishes to advise against associating the Ministry or the Ghana Education Service with this publication. We also caution heads of schools and parents on the purchase and use of such books on the open market. In case any parent wants to buy a book for his or her children, they should contact the Curriculum Research and Development Division of the Ghana Education Service,” the statement added.
In his ‘Natural Science for Primary Schools – Pupil’s Book 1,’ the author Albert Joseph Quarm stated that the human head is used for carrying loads. This classification has however been heavily criticized with many including the Vice President of IMANI Ghana, Kofi Bentil, calling for an immediate withdrawal of the books from schools.
But the author, has defended his work and now says his textbook was assessed and recommended by the GES as a material for teaching and learning. He made this known in a letter he released to the media.
But the letter dated November 30, 2011, appears to show that the GES may not have approved the textbooks for schools, but only recommended it as a supplementary material for teaching and learning.
Find below Joseph Quarm’s letter.
BOOK ASSESMENT
NATURAL SCIENECE FOR LOWER PRIMARY BOOKS 1-3 BY J.A. QUARM
The above-named books which were submitted to the textbook and educational committee (TEEC) through the Curriculum Research and Development Division (CRDD) of the Ghana Education Service have been assessed.
Decision: The books are recommended as supplementary materials or the teaching and learning of Natural Science at the Lower Primary and Colleges of Education.
Thank you
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By citifmonline.com/Ghana