‘We will give option of proficiency test’

Vineet Joshi, who took over as chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in October 2009, has the tough task to oversee implementation of the optional board exam scheme and grading system in CBSE schools across India.

Vineet Joshi, who took over as chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in October 2009, has the tough task to oversee implementation of the optional board exam scheme and grading system in CBSE schools across India. He spoke to Hindustan Times about the challenges ahead. Excerpts:

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How is the CBSE board going to convince parents that the optional board exams will not affect quality of education?
We plan is to hold workshops for parents in January across the country starting from Kerala. Parents are worried there will be compromise on the standard.

We are ensuring the standard by having two terms (semesters for intensive study). We are also going to give parents an option of a proficiency test. Children who are high achievers will have the option to appear in the proficiency test. But this will not be the same as a board exam.

This is for those who want to get some extra certificate and motivation. The new scheme does not have anything less. It has got more than what we had before.

How are you going to ensure quality of evaluation under the new grading system?We plan to introduce mentoring and monitoring of schools. This will help schools that need more support.

We will form clusters across India. In one area, a school might have to help some other schools. Also, skills (which could lead to a subjective evaluation) will be assessed collectively by teachers to rule out bias.

We are asking schools to design their own methods of evaluation. One could be doing projects another could be doing experiments and quizzes.

Will not taking the Class 10 board exam put more pressure on students when they take the class 12 boards?
A majority of students would not like to go for the (Class 10) exam.

Board exams are not like physical exercise that need practice. The optional board exams will not affect studies in Class 11 and 12. It’s not like you need to train for the Class 12 board exam by taking one in Class 10.

Is the board planning any changes in the class 11 and 12 exam pattern or syllabus?
We plan to introduce vocational education.

New streams like animation, design and media appreciation will be optional. The Council of Boards for School Education is working on a common maths and science syllabus across different boards. I cannot give a time but it will be ready soon. Hereafter, boards will be able to choose whether they take it or not.