Date:06/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/06/stories/2008070659310600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Adi Dravida schools improve their performance

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Four Adi Dravida welfare schools achieved centum pass percentage in standard XII and 22 schools in standard X examinations this time. An official release issued on Saturday stated that a student of one such school in Theni district secured 1,133 out of 1,200 marks in the standard XII examination, and 81 students obtained over 1,000 marks. Nine hundred and nineteen students scored over 400 out of 500 marks in the standard X examination. A student of a residential school in Kanyakumari district got 483 marks.

The average pass percentage of the Adi Dravida schools in the standard X examination went up from 54 in 2005-2006 to 70 in 2007-2008 whereas it rose from 70 to 78 in the standard XII examination.

The release attributed the improved performance of the Adi Dravida schools to filling of teachers’ vacancies after the present government took over two years ago. Besides, secondary teachers with a background in economics and commerce were allowed to be appointed graduate teachers, the release stated.

A special coaching programme was chalked out and funds were allocated. A meeting of headmasters of the Adi Dravida high and higher secondary schools was held at the Chennai Collectorate on Saturday. Headmasters and teachers of high-performing schools were honoured. V. Kanagaraj, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Secretary and Thanga Kaliyaperumal, Adi Dravidar Welfare Commissioner, were present.