CBSE schools feel psychometric test for staff redundant

Nagpur: CBSE school principals in city are anxiously waiting for the recommendations of a specially constituted body to frame guidelines regarding safety of children inside school premises. The one part that principals are most anxious about is that of psychometric test to be conducted for all staff members.

"Our counsellors say there are almost a hundred psychometric tests and each can lead us to draw different inferences. The board in its earlier September circular had not specified any particular test and that made it more confusing," said a principal.

The panel will frame guidelines about various points, including psychometric tests. Principals, however, feel that CBSE should not be getting involved in this aspect because it's a "vague" thing. "While hiring someone, a police verification is something substantial, a call to former employer is also solid background check but a pen-paper test to understand somebody's mind looks a bit dicey," said one principal.

The principal opined that CBSE endorsing it will set a wrong precedent. "It's not like the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) that will give you hard points of reference while understanding a probable employee. So, when the board says this is the test that will play a crucial role in determining your possible employment, I would beg to differ," she said.

A senior teacher at a private multi-branch CBSE school said, "My son found out on the net that there are websites which tell you how to pass these tests. Nobody knows the exact questions but a very broad idea is there on what skills are required for a teacher, for a receptionist etc. And the website then guides you accordingly how to deal with the multiple choice questions."

Some principals believe the CBSE may completely do away with the psychometric test clause and that will be reflected in the panel's guidelines. "Our board is extremely unpredictable but I think they have got the message loud and clear through media that schools are unhappy with the test's clause. I think they will make the test optional asking it to be put to use only when there is some doubt about the employee," she said.

CBSE has not mentioned by when the panel will be ready with its report but according to academicians it's expected by November end.

ON A NEW TURF

What is a psychometric test

Psychometric tests are a standard and scientific method used to measure individuals' mental capabilities and behavioural style. They are designed to measure candidates' suitability for a role based on the required personality characteristics and aptitude (or cognitive abilities)

How does it benefit employers

Employers use the information collected from the psychometric test to identify the hidden aspects of candidates that are difficult to extract from a face-to-face interview. They identify the extent to which candidates' personality and cognitive abilities match those required to perform the role

(Source: www.psychometricinstitute.com.au)