CBSE gets feedback from schools, parents

Students are burdened with too many tests, have their behaviour microscopically examined and wind up not doing their own projects when they take these home.

Students are burdened with too many tests, have their behaviour microscopically examined and wind up not doing their own projects when they take these home.

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This is the feedback that the CBSE board has received from parents, students and schools on its continuous comprehensive evaluation (CCE) system.

In its latest circular, the board has addressed these concerns, clarifying that CCE is not about excessive homework or regular exams. “Invoking fear in students in the guise of assessment by the teacher is not CCE” and “minutely assessing the behaviour of students is not CCE,” said the circular dated September 3.

Another concern some had expressed through the feedback was about the element of subjectivity in assessing students on co-curricular activities and that schools were not involving parents enough in the whole process of change.

“The schools need to involve parents in the changes being made… It is also important that schools not be charged with subjectivity while evaluating co-curricular schools,” said the circular. It also listed out once again clarifying the nature of CCE.

Addressing concerns of teachers who feel they have additional work because of CCE, the circular stated: “While teachers may find the additional work a little challenging or even taxing, they will soon learn to enjoy their work a lot more and see their reward in the form of improvement in their students.”

Avnita Bir, principal of the RN Podar School, Santacruz said: “The board is trying to involve the stake-holders at various levels in this process of change. Some schools might be following CCE over zealously so one has to exercise caution while applying it.”