Examination Reforms and Continuous and Comprehensive

The larger context of education is to prepare futuristic citizens for a meaningful and productive life in a globalised society. There is a dire need to strengthen the education system even more so in a pluralistic society which addresses itself to a heterogeneous group. Evaluation is a means of realising the extent to which we have been successful in imparting such an education. Evaluation is an indispensable part of the educational process as some form of assessment is necessary to determine the effectiveness of teaching learning processes and their assimilation by learners.

External examinations ‘are largely inappropriate for the ‘knowledge society’ of the 21st century and its’ need for innovative problem solvers’, Questions if not framed well, “call for rote memorization and fail to test higher-order skills like reasoning and analysis, lateral thinking, creativity and judgement. External exams make no allowance for different types of learners and learning environments and induce an in-ordinate level of anxiety and stress”.

(NCF- Position paper on Examination Reforms)

This calls for a functional and reliable system of School-Based Evaluation.

We need to look at the holistic assessment of a learner which also includes co scholastic area of Life Skills, Attitudes and Values, Sports and Games as well as Co-Curricular activities. The CCE scheme aims at addressing this in a holistic manner. A number of National Committees and Commissions in the past have consistently made recommendations regarding reducing emphasis on external examination and encouraging internal assessment through School-Based Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation.

Therefore, the CCE scheme brings about a paradigm shift from examination to effective pedagogy.

National Curriculum Framework 2005, while proposing Examination Reforms has also stated – “Indeed, CBSE Boards should consider, as a long-term measure, making the Class X Examination Optional, thus permitting students continuing in the same school (and who do not need a CBSE Board certificate) to take an internal school exam instead”.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development also announced-“Push the process of examination reform in accordance with NCF 2005. This will include making the Class X examination optional, thus permitting students continuing in the same school (and who do not need a CBSE Board certificate) to take an internal school assessment instead”.

In the light of the above background, surveys and consultations with various stakeholders across the country and the given mandate of CBSE, the CBSE Board, on the advice of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has decided to introduce the following Scheme:­

1. Scheme of the CBSE Board

1.1 Senior Secondary Schools

a) There will be no Class X CBSE Board Examination w.e.f. 2011 for students studying in CBSE’s Senior Secondary Schools and who do not wish to move out of the CBSE system after Class X.

b) However, such students of Senior Secondary Schools who wish to move out of the CBSE system after Class X (Pre-University, Vocational course, Change of CBSE Board, etc.) will be required to take the CBSE Board’s External (pen and paper written/online) Examination.

c) Further, those students who wish to assess themselves vis-à-vis their peers or for self assessment will be allowed to appear in an On Demand (pen and paper/online) Proficiency test

1.2 Secondary Schools

The students studying in CBSE’s Secondary schools will however be required to appear in CBSE Board’s External (pen and paper written/online) Examination because they will be leaving the secondary school after Class X.

1.3 All Schools

1.3.1 The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) will be strengthened in all affiliated schools with effect from October, 2009 in Class IX.

1.3.2 An Optional Aptitude Test developed by the CBSE will also be available to the students. The Aptitude Test along with other school records and CCE would help students, parents and teachers in deciding the choice of subjects in Class XI.All students of Class X in the current academic year will be taking the CBSE CBSE Board’s Class X 2010 Examination. The CBSE will be conducting this Examination. The weightage of the school based assessment will remain the same as per past practice, i.e. 20% each in the subjects of Science, Social Science and Mathematics.

1.3.3 The new Grading system will be introduced at Secondary School level (for Classes IX & X) effective from 2009-10 Academic Session. The details of grading scheme are being circulated in a separate advisory to schools.

Details of the scheme are annexed at (Annexure-I) all for ready reference.

2. How would the Scheme help?

The above steps would help the learners and parents, who are the primary stakeholders of school education, in the following manner:­

a) It will reduce stress and anxiety which often builds up during and after the examination which could have an adverse impact on young students especially in the age group of 13-15 years.

b) It will reduce the dropout rate as there will be less fear and anxiety related to performance.

c) In the past there was practice to often finish the entire syllabus much before time and follow it up with Pre-CBSE Board(s) and study leave. Now there will be greater focus on learning rather than teaching to the test.

d) The emphasis on conceptual clarification through experiential learning in the classroom will increase since there will be more time available for transaction of curriculum.

e) It will help the learners to develop holistically in terms of personality by also focussing on the co­scholastic aspects which will be assessed as part of the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation scheme.

f) It is expected to prepare the students for life by making students physically fit, mentally alert and emotionally balanced.

g) The students will have more time on their hands to develop their interests, hobbies and personalities.

h) It will enable the students, parents and teachers to make an informed choice about subjects in Class XI.

i) It will motivate learning in a friendly environment rather than in a fearful situation.

j) It will equip students with Life Skills especially Creative and Critical thinking skills, social skills and coping skills which will keep them in a good stead when they enter into a highly competitive environment

3. Addressing the Concerns

The CBSE has been discussing the matter with its stakeholders all over the country. A number of issues are likely to be raised by students/parents regarding this initiative, as it is being done for the first time by any CBSE Board in India. A compilation of such issues, and solutions offered by the CBSE Board in the form of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) will be soon available on the CBSE website. In case of any clarification you may write through the CBSE’s website (detailed below) or mail your queries to the Chairman CBSE by superscribing “CBSE Examination Reform” on the top of the envelop.

4. CCE Guidelines

Many of the Schools are already aware about the CCE and are implementing the same. However, in order to improve the quality of CCE, the detailed guidelines are being issued and will reach the schools shortly. These will also be available on CBSE website (www.cbse.nic.in).

5. Training Workshops

Teacher training workshops will be conducted simultaneously from October 2009 onwards. These training workshops will be compulsory for the Heads of Schools and two teacher representatives. Details of these will be available on the CBSE’s website. Principals and trained teachers will be thereafter interacting with parents during Parent Teacher Meetings to create awareness regarding the CBSE Board’s Scheme and address their concerns.

6. Request to School Principals

The CBSE is committed to the enhancement of quality in school education and it plans to empower schools to assess the students without compromising on any quality parameter. It has full faith in the Principals and teachers of its affiliated schools and hopes that the following action will be taken in the shortest possible time:­

a) Explain the above scheme in detail to the parents, teachers and students specially those in Classes IX and X and interact with parents of these students to create awareness and sensitise them.

b) Collect and forward the information about number of students in Class IX in the current academic session.

c) Forward this data to the Regional Office concerned in the enclosed Proforma definitely by 15th October 2009.(Annexure 2)

7. Further Clarification

Comprehensive guidelines on various aspects of CCE will be available in the Teachers’ Manual on

School Based Assessment shortly. This will also be hosted on the CBSE website (www.cbse.nic.in)

In case you need any further clarification, please log on to www.cbse.nic.in and click on the ‘Interact with Chairman on Class X CBSE Board Examination’ button. Your queries on this issue will be replied expeditiously.