Learning support programme to begin in schools today; teachers announce boycott

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A special learning support programme for students in Classes 5 to 9 in government schools across Kerala will begin today. However, the teachers’ organisation Kerala Pradesh School Teachers Association has said it will boycott the classes, alleging that they are being conducted without proper consultation and amid extreme heat.

The programme is meant for students who scored below 30% in the 2025–26 annual exams. It will include those who received ‘E’ grades in Classes 5 to 8 and ‘D’ or ‘E’ grades in Class 9. After seven days of training, students will undergo reassessment, and revised results will be announced on May 2. The aim is to support academically weak students and help them improve without failing them.

Bridging classes
Students in Classes 5 to 8 who still do not achieve the required score after reassessment will be promoted to the next class but will have to attend two weeks of “bridging classes” to meet learning goals. This relaxation does not apply to Class 9 students.

Will boycott classes: KPSTA
Meanwhile, KPSTA has strongly opposed holding classes during the summer vacation. The organisation said such programmes violate education department guidelines that prohibit classes during the mid-summer break. It also pointed out that the Child Rights Commission has directed that children’s vacation rights should not be affected.

KPSTA leaders stated that they will resist such measures, calling them unnecessary and demanding that the education department focus on more effective solutions.