What was introduced to reduce anxiety and stress among children, and help express their views freely, has now disappointed many. The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system, introduced for the first time for class 10 students, is mired in controversy over lack of clarity in the system, late introduction in the academic year and inadequate teacher training.
The confusion of school managements on how to implement the system is evident as they have used different criteria to evaluate students. While some schools have been lenient and awarded full marks for internal assessment, some others seem to have exercised discretion.
Deputy Director, Department of Public Instruction of Vijayapura, S.S. Biradar, said as per the guidelines, teachers have the discretionary power to give internal marks “based on their performance in extra-curricular activities”. He, however, did not rule out the possibility of teachers not being fair with any particular student and reducing internal marks. “If such a complaint is made, we can take action against the teacher,” he said, clarifying that there was no provision to revise marks if there was an error.
Students, on the other hand, complained that the new system had not reduced the burden. Darshini S. said her teachers asked for “vague” assignments such as writing four pages of any lesson for internal assessment. “We wrote assignments throughout the year and studied at the end of the year. Some assignments do not help us understand any concept,” she said.
Officials acknowledged that the system relied heavily on teachers, who have to reinvent the system. Commissioner for Public Instruction Mohammad Mohsin had said on Tuesday that the department was in the process of obtaining and analysing feedback from teachers and students.
What is Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation?
According to the National Curriculum Framework 2005 paper on ‘Systemic reforms for curriculum change’, CCE should not only lay down guidelines for marking pattern, but also provide space to teachers for creative teaching, provide a tool for diagnosis, and produce learners with greater skills. CCE aims to make children free of fear, trauma, and anxiety, and help them express views freely.
What’s the pattern?
Formative assessment (total of 200 marks which is later converted into 20 marks)
There will be 4 formative assessments and each will consist of 50 marks
Written test - 20 marks
Three activities - 30 marks
*There is no minimum pass mark for internal assessment
*Public examination will consist of 500 marks
*First language is for 100 marks; remaining five papers are for 80 marks
