Schools Happy With New Evaluation System Being Successful

Students who gave the Class 10 CBSE exams in 2013, the results of which were announced on Sunday, were the first to complete two years of Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE). And the batch appears to have come out with flying colours, proving that the system is a success, academicians said.

The new system, which focuses on the overall development of the student, was introduced in 2009. Barring a few teething problems, the new pattern has worked, said Avnita Bir, principal, RN Podar School, Santacruz. "Advantage with the new evaluation is that it assesses students on different strengths, not just one exam," she said.

The number of students scoring a perfect 10 Cumulative Grade Point Average - the average of exams conducted by the school and board throughout the year - has increased from 34 to 38 at Navy Children School, Colaba. "The change is gradual, but it is there. Schools have also changed teaching styles to suit different learning speeds in the class," said Girija Singh, principal.

This can be seen in performances of schools such as Ryan International, Sanpada, where 49 students scored above 60%, 72 scored above 70% and 56 scored above 90%. "CCE has ensured the development of all students and not just a select few," said Manmeet Behel, principal.

About CCE: The scheme of CCE for classes 10 and 12 to be followed by all the affiliated schools. Under the CCE, a student has to undergo assessments in scholastic as well as Co-scholastic Areas. The main aim is to evaluate every aspect of the students during their presence at the school. This is believed to help reduce the pressure on the students during the examination.

Highlights of New Evaluation System:

The CCE had replaced the well-entrenched unit and semester test-based evaluation system and training the teachers is critical for its success as they are the most vital component in the implementation of RTE. The city-based Maharashtra State Council for Education Research and Training (MSCERT) have been training teachers, conducting workshops, educating them on the CCE element, addressing queries in order to ensure smooth functioning of the act in the state.

The council has also published an RTE handbook for teachers to be used as a guide during classroom sessions.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi brought up new rules in the evaluation system where the CBSE examiners will evaluate the board papers every year, if any error in marking the papers will now cost examiners more. CBSE has decided to double the penalty for marking an answer book on the basis of a wrong question paper or marking scheme to Rs 100. In case the question numbers and answers are not tallied, or marked as repeated without basis, the fine will be Rs 20 per question.