President of the National Principals’ Association, Neal Fontenelle, has raised red flags about the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), calling for a comprehensive review of the model amid growing concerns over its effectiveness in preparing Saint Lucian students for secondary education.
Fontenelle argued that the CPEA—now the official standard for Grade 6 assessments—lacks key components that once tested students’ writing and problem-solving skills under the Common Entrance Examination. “The Common Entrance had students write essays and solve mathematical problems, truly demonstrating their understanding,” he said. “CPEA, however, relies solely on multiple-choice questions, which limits the ability to assess critical thinking.”
The CPEA, developed by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), includes internal and external assessments across Mathematics, Language, Science, and Social Studies. While intended to offer a holistic approach to learning, Fontenelle believes its structure—especially the segmentation of core subjects—may not improve student performance or readiness.
With 50 objective questions per subject and a lack of open-ended tasks, the new model, according to Fontenelle, may be undermining educational depth rather than enhancing it. He urged the Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders to revisit the assessment’s format to ensure Saint Lucian students are truly equipped for the demands of secondary school.
