SOME schools are claiming that the syllabuses for subjects in a pilot learning assessment scheme are confusing, leading to a sharp fall in students' standards.
A principal has even gone so far as to say that the Targets and Target-Related Assessment Scheme (TTRA) is ''a tragedy of education''.
The controversial TTRA, recommended by the Education Commission in its fourth report, provides common learning targets for primary and secondary pupils by defining tasks they need to learn.
The scheme comprising three core subjects - Mathematics, English Language and Chinese Language - was introduced in 20 primary schools last September.
Initial findings have shown that many schools found the scheme troublesome and that the teaching and learning efficiency has suffered.
Speaking at a recent education conference, principals who joined the scheme complained that the subjects, particularly Mathematics, were difficult to teach and assess.
Mr Li Quing-fai, principal of St Peter's Catholic Primary School (AM), said the Maths course focused on concepts and principles but ignored calculation technique.
