Arunachal registered a pass percentage of only 43.44 % in the recently announced Class XII board results. Out of a total 16614 who appeared for the exams comprising private and government schools, only 7218 students passed while 5947 students were unable to clear the exam.

If last year the performance of students was bad, this time it is worse. So, what is ailing our education system? Teachers have been at the receiving end for far too long but the falling standards is also due to the no-detention policy.

Barring five states, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telengana and Sikkim, that spoke in favour of continuing the no-detention policy, all other 25 states and union territories were against it, according to a survey by the National Council of Education Research and Training. They believe that the policy is lowering the level of education in the country. 

The no-detention policy was implemented as part of the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) under the RTE Act in 2010 to ensure holistic development of students. The idea was also to reduce dropout rates. Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation emphasizes on evaluating a child through the year, and not just based on performance in one or two term exams.

The no-detention policy has served its purpose, with the dropout rate decreasing sharply and 98 per cent children in school. 

However, ever since its implementation, the policy has given rise to heated debate. The policy has led to students developing a lackadaisical attitude, with there being no risk of failing. The system makes no distinction between good and bad students, and between those who work hard and those who don’t. These points are indicators towards a sharp fall in learning outcomes and academic levels. 

Harassed over the flailing education scenario, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been quite vocal about needed modifications in the Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation (CCE) and has also requested for the removal of the No Detention Policy.

Scrapping the policy of ‘no detention’ which automatically promotes students up to Class VIII, also needs to be exercised with caution for a nation which is ensuring universal education to children up to the age of 14 years.

However, there is great concern because the unpalatable reality, especially in the government sector, is that most teachers no longer teach, most pupils do not care to learn and most parents are unable to help.

Without teaching and exam, pupils are being continuously promoted from one class to the other. That is the problem. Need is for strictly adhering to continuous assessment, remedial teaching and continuous monitoring to ensure that every child achieves minimum competency level in each class.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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