Abstract
Establishing how current academic performance relates to future performance is key to helping educators fine tuning their assessment practice. At present high failure rate of Agriculture subject at Primary Leaving Examination (PSLE) has been of a great concern in Botswana. To determine the relationship between the standard four attainment scores and Primary Leaving Examination scores key in tracing the origin of failure observed at primary school leaving examination. The main focus of this study was to determine the validity of standard four attainment scores in predicting performance at standard seven Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). A quantitative study of correlational research design used secondary data scores obtained from Botswana Examination Council (BEC) to determine the correlation coefficient (r) between the two sets of scores. The study indicated that there was strong correlation, r=.8 at P= .00, between standard four attainment scores and PSLE scores, therefore the null hypothesis that states that there is no significant relationship between standard four attainment scores and PSLE scores was rejected. It was concluded that high failure rate obtaining at PSLE is related to poor foundation laid at lower levels. It is recommended that standard four attainment scores or performance should save as criterion for moving into upper primary (standard 5-7) and subsequently seating for PSLE.
Highlights
The arid region salt-affected soils have high pHe, ECe, SAR, and are calcareous which limit nutrient availability and plant growth [1], in developing countries [2, 3]
Nitrogen accounts for about 80% of the total mineral nutrients absorbed by plants [13] and its uptake by rice is inhibited under high soil salinity and sodicity status [14]
Et al [14], reported that uptake of N by rice was inhibited under high sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) concentration in the roots, and the excess amount of absorbed Na+ depressed NH4+ absorption. [37] co-composting bagasse and filter cake to widen the C/N ratio of filter cake reduced N loss to approximately 12 %
Summary
The arid region salt-affected soils have high pHe, ECe, SAR, and are calcareous which limit nutrient availability and plant growth [1], in developing countries [2, 3]. Nitrogen accounts for about 80% of the total mineral nutrients absorbed by plants [13] and its uptake by rice is inhibited under high soil salinity and sodicity status [14]. Efficient and cost-effective crop production in arid and semi-arid regions; on salt affected soils demands appropriate management options that minimize salinity impacts and optimize plant nutrients use efficiency.
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