FODE is only recognised institution for teachers to upgrade GPA: TSC

The Teaching Service Commission [TSC] has reaffirmed that the only recognised pathway for teachers to upgrade their academic marks and meet the required Grade Point Average [GPA] for teaching eligibility is through Flexible Open Distance Education [FODE].

Highlands Regional Chairman of TSC, Benny Tep, said teachers who fall below the minimum GPA requirement of 2.4 must enrol at FODE centres to improve their academic standing.

“The minimum required GPA is 2.4. Any teacher who is below this threshold and is currently teaching must take the initiative to enrol at FODE and upgrade their marks,” Tep said.

He emphasised that FODE remains the only institution formally recognised and recommended by TSC for GPA upgrading purposes.

“FODE is the recognised institution which TSC recommends for teachers to upgrade their marks, not any other institutions which operate as money-making entities,” he said.

Tep further alleged that some institutions apart from FODE have been inflating students’ GPAs, resulting in qualifications that do not accurately reflect a teacher’s true academic ability. He said such practices could negatively impact the quality of teaching and ultimately affect student learning outcomes.

“When GPAs are artificially inflated, it does not truly reflect the teacher’s competence. This has serious implications for the standard of education and the learning of our students,” he said.

Tep made these remarks during the 53rd Graduation Ceremony of Dauli College of Higher Education held last Thursday, where 150 students graduated across various programs.

26 teachers passed out with a Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching, Diploma in Primary Teaching [90], and 34 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Teaching.

While congratulating the graduates, Tep encouraged them to uphold professional standards and ensure they meet all academic requirements set by the Commission.

“To be on the safe side, GPAs must be 2.4 and above,” he reiterated.