'Heavy' quality assessment exam for classes 4-9 has got teachers worried

The Department of Public Instruction’s move to conduct the Karnataka School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Council (KSQAAC) examination for classes 4-9 without adequate preparation hasn’t gone well with teachers.

As per a circular sent to all BEOs and heads of other sections of the Education Department on September 13, the exams for languages will be held on October 27 and for core subjects a day later. The department has cancelled the midterm exams to facilitate the KSQAAC exams.

First and second languages are included for classes 4 and 5, first, second and third languages for classes 6-9, Mathematics and Environmental Studies for classes 4 and 5, and Science, Maths and Social Studies for classes 6-9.

Each subject will have 24 questions: 18 one-mark questions (multiple choice) and six questions of two marks each (descriptive). The total marks will be 30.

Rajesh A V, who teaches at an aided school at Munirabad, Koppal district, summed up teachers’ apprehensions thus: “There is no information about training or preparation. When we approach senior officials, they point the finger at top officials of the Education Department. We have no answers for students who are worried about the exams. We are left in the lurch.”

Another teacher said the biggest challenge was the lack of time.

“The October vacations will run from 11 to 25 and the schools reopen on 26. The DDPIs have strictly told us to ensure 100% student attendance for the exam,” he added.

According to teachers, the KSQAAC exam follows the pattern of most state-level and national-level entrance tests and competitive exams. Students will need a lot of practice to understand the question paper and the answers.

The pattern would be “heavy” for young minds. In actual fact, there will be two exams. As soon as students shade 18 ovals in the OMR sheets, teachers should take back the sheets and give them another question paper for six descriptive-type questions.

“We aren’t familiar with the class 7 syllabus, but the class 8 exam will have 20% of the questions from the previous class. We have been directed to prepare for the exam with no specific instructions,” Rajesh added.

DH News Service