Competency tests: schools asked to hold round 2 in october

The state education department has directed schools across Maharashtra to conduct the second round of competency tests on October 19 and 20.

The state education department has directed schools across Maharashtra to conduct the second round of competency tests on October 19 and 20. However, schools fear the tests will clash with their mid-term exams. These summative tests will assess the skills of Class 1 to 8 students on what they have learnt, so far, in maths and the first language, read the circular schools received on Tuesday.

Schools fear the tests will clash with their mid-term exams. (HT Photo)

While the circular insists that the tests are mandatory for all schools, schools are confused whether they should hold the mid-terms exams for the two subjects. “When the competency tests will assess students in maths and the first language, then what’s the point of conducting separate semester exams for these subjects? It will only be a duplication of effort and double the work for teachers,” said Uday Nare, senior teacher, Hansraj Morarji Public School, Andheri.

Teachers demanded that the department give them clear instructions. “Last year, too, there was confusion over this. Some schools ended up holding separate semester exams for the two subjects, while others stuck to the competency tests,” said Nare.

Schools are also confused about the appointment of external examiners for these tests. In an earlier circular, the MSCERT had stated that third-party examiners will be assigned to random schools to ensure impartial assessment. But the recent circular hasn’t given any instructions on it.