Mumbai, Dec 25: Parents of Class IX students of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board are in a dilemma. Though the Delhi-based board has made the Class X board exams optional from the next academic year, not many are convinced about the idea.
“There is a huge risk in skipping the board exam, as is the criteria for admission to higher education everywhere. Although the board has taken a commendable step in releasing children from a lot of stress, I would not like my daughter to take any chances,” said Amrita Pillai, a parent from DAV School, Navi Mumbai.
Another parent, Mahima Parulekar, whose son is studying at Rajhans Vidyamandir, Andheri, thinks not attempting the board exams is not an option for their son. “My husband has a transferable job, which might force us to take admission for him elsewhere after Class X. Since the option works only for only those planning to continue in the same school, it is not viable for us,” she said.
Hundreds of parents with similar apprehensions attended the annual day of RN Podar, Santa Cruz, on Wednesday evening, and were reassured about the new reforms by Vineet Joshi, chairman and secretary, CBSE, who was the chief guest at the event. “We know that you are anxious about the changes, and any change is uncomfortable.
However, it is important that we do away with the perception that good marks make one intelligent. Our new evaluation system will ensure that children are challenged at all levels, and not just in their memorising abilities,” said Joshi.
To allay their fears, the board has been trying to reach out to parents and convince them about the new evaluation method. “We are organising workshops and one-on-one meetings with parents to reassure them and explain that quality is not being compromised.
We have started the first round of workshops in Kerala and will soon be conducting them across the country,” he said.
According to Joshi, students will be tested year-round through project works, quizzes, competitions, etc., which will induce overall development. “We are using a variety of methods to test students, but these do not involve grading them. We are also training our teachers on the various ways to assess children,” he said.
–Agencies