Date:05/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050554540500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Kalika Andolana’ in high schools too

Staff Reporter

The scheme was introduced at the primary school level last academic year

Bangalore: In a move to ensure that students in government high schools perform better, the Department of Public Instruction has decided to extend “Kalika Andolana” (remedial teaching scheme) to high schools.

Speaking to presspersons after announcing the results of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations here on Sunday, G. Kumar Naik, Commissioner of Public Instruction, said that the scheme was introduced at the primary school level during the previous academic year.

“The first stage of the scheme was launched for children who lacked basic language ability as well as other skills. The number of such students was substantially high and that is why we decided to launch the scheme,” he said.

Mr. Naik said that the department had received a good feedback regarding the scheme from students, parents and teachers. “To improve results at the high-school level, we have now decided to introduce the scheme in high schools too. The department has already issued directives to the teachers and heads of institutions in this regard,” he said.

Under the scheme, high school students would be evaluated during the first week of June. Students, who had fared poorly, would be made to attend a bridge course, he said. “The bridge course will help them strengthen their basic knowledge. After the bridge course, they will be evaluated again. Students, who continue to perform badly, will then be admitted to the remedial classes,” he added.

About the statement made by Commissioner of Pre-University Education that the system of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) in the SSLC examination had affected the writing skills of students, Mr. Naik said that the system was introduced after a lot of debate and discussion.

“Moreover, students have two years to prepare for the examination. The argument that the SSLC examination system is the cause for reduction in the PU pass percentage does not hold water,” he said.

The committee formed to evaluate the MCQ system would be submitting its report this month, Mr. Naik said.