Now, dropouts can study their own choice of subjects

In an attempt to help dropouts and students with special needs, the state education ministry aims to start Open Board School (OBS) from January next year. This board will have a special curriculum which will cater to students who are school dropouts, or have failed or are physically challenged.

Large number of students quit school due to various difficulties and do not wish to secure admissions again in state-run schools. This board aims to provide an opportunity to such students to help them secure basic education till Class 10 or 12. The curriculum of this board will have mathematics as an optional subject while it will focus on sports as an important subject.

Mathematics is a tough subject to cope with for many students as per state education department. Prachi Sathe, officer on special duty (OSD) of state education department, said, “Students find it difficult to clear mathematics examination in Class 10 and often give up. But in this board students can opt for any other subject and also focus on sports and extra-curricular activities to gain basic education.” In addition, this board will provide multiple options and facilities like no compulsory attendance, choice of subjects and flexibility in examinations. This board will have Class 5, 8 and 10 unlike regular schools where there is a pattern of Class 1 to 10. This will save the academic year of students who have failed or quit midway as per education department. Also, admissions for this board will begin on January 1 while examinations for Class 5 and 8 will be conducted in June and for Class 10 will be conducted in December.

Teachers need to focus on being patient with students through a curriculum revolving around art, creativity and innovative techniques as per the education department. Sathe added, “These students have special needs and it is difficult for these students to cope with other students in a regular school. Teachers have to be patient and at the same time try creative techniques and innovative skills in their method of teaching and learning with these students.” The curriculum is being formulated with the help of expert academicians and these schools will fall under the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE).

The board will provide multiple options and facilities like no compulsory attendance, choice of subjects and flexibility in examinations. This board will have Class 5, 8 and 10 unlike regular schools where there is a pattern of Class 1 to 10