Experts talk: Should English, maths be made optional in SSC?

MUMBAI: The state school education department is mulling over making English and mathematics optional for Classes 9 and 10.

MUMBAI: The state school education department is mulling over making English and mathematics optional for Classes 9 and 10.

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Educators in Mumbai, however, are divided over the benefits of allowing students to drop these two subjects at the school level. Shikshan Katta, an independent discussion forum of educators, met on Saturday to come up with recommendations on the issue, which will be submitted to the department.

Last month in Pune, a few academicians asked education minister Vinod Tawde if these subjects can be made optional. Tawde said that the department is willing to think over these reforms .

One of the major reasons put forth by those supporting the move was that it will help students who are weak in these subjects to pass the SSC exams. Experts said that close to one lakh students fail in these subjects every year.

“There is a need to bring in flexibility at the school and university level in terms of subject choice. People harp on the importance of English and math but I feel that these subjects might not be of use to everyone,” said Vasant Kalpande, chief organiser of the Katta and former chairperson of the Maharashtra state board.

Others, however, argued that the subjects must continue to be compulsory. “In today’s sociology, children need to be proficient in English and math skills are required in day to day life, so these subjects should not be dropped,” said Veena Donwalkar, principal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Vidyalaya, Dharavi.