Test dates clash with school exams
The programme has been poorly planned from the beginning. Frequent changes in exam dates make a mockery of the school’s academic calendar.
The state school education department has postponed the competency tests — to assess students in maths and first language — by one day (from April 5 and 6 to April 6 and 7). Although a small change, but this has put schools in a fix as they had scheduled their own annual exams from April 7.
A must for all schools across boards and management, the tests are part of the Pragat Shaikshanik (Progressive in Education) Maharashtra initiative started in 2015 by the department to raise the learning levels of students and improve quality of education in schools. Schools are graded on the basis of their performance in the tests.
According to the circular issued on March 22, schools have to hold these tests on April 6 and 7 as part of their annual exams.
Last month, the department had informed schools that the third and final competency tests of this academic year, 2016-17, will be held in April 5 and 6.
Many schools readjusted their academic calendar accordingly, as they usually shut schools by March end or have their own exams during that time.
“Even though we start our summer break from April, this year we had changed our timetable so that final exams can begin on April 7, but all that planning has gone to waste once again,” said Anil Bornare, teacher Swami Muktananda School Chembur and member of the Maharashtra school teachers association.
Holding principal secretary of the department, Nanda Kumar responsible for this mess, the association has demanded his resignation. “The programme has been poorly planned from the beginning. Frequent changes in exam dates make a mockery of the school’s academic calendar,” said Uday Nare, a teacher, Hans raj Morarji Public School.
The department will provide common question papers to al schools for the two subjects. The tests will be summative in nature evaluating students on what they have learnt in the second semes ter. This is the third and fina competency test for this aca demic year. The last baseline tests were held in July and Octo ber last year.