Two summative assessment exams in schools from next year

VIJAYAWADA: The School Education Department of  Andhra Pradesh is planning to have two summative assessment (SA) examinations from the coming academic year rather than having three summative assessment examinations, that is currently in practice. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), which is looking into the matter, had already sent a proposal to the Education Department officials for making two SA’s instead of three. After the leakage of question papers of summative assessment examination-1, the School Education department cancelled the exam and postponed. 

Apart from initiating an inquiry on question paper leakage, the department further instructed the SCERT to submit a report on making two SAs instead of three.Following the study by SCERT, the team gave the nod for implementing two SA examinations in an academic year rather than having three exams. The report, which has already been submitted to the department, is under the active consideration of the officials.

Speaking to Express, M V Rajyalakshmi, Director of SCERT, said, “The decision has not been taken, but we have sent a report suggesting to have two SAs every year. The officials may approve it, change it or can do anything. As of now, they are still scrutinising the issue from all sides and the decision is yet to be taken by the government.” 

Meanwhile, student organisations and managements of unaided schools are welcoming the decision. Whereas, they are questioning the government regarding the maintenance of quality education and standards.“We always suggested the department to have only two SAs every year instead of three. In fact, with a heavy examination timetable, the teaching is not being imparted properly because of constant deadlines. If they plan to have two SAs, teachers can teach the subject in depth as they can have ample time. We are hoping that it gets implemented from the coming academic year,” said A Krishna Reddy, President of AP Unaided Schools Management Association.

However, parents of the students are little worried over reducing three summatives to two. In fact, a majority prefer the current method of examination as the students are at least preparing for the sake of examinations.“It is a fact that students face a lot of stress due to examinations, grades, marks, ranks etc. But if the government reduces three  exams to two, the chances of children getting away from regular study is higher. Instead, the government should focus on reducing the stress on children,” said N Bharathi, parent.