Simply gifting A+ uncalled-for, reforms needed in Edu sector

It is very common these days to gauge the quality of schools based on win percentages among students. In Kerala, the win percentage among SSLC students has been burgeoning in recent years even putting many in amazement. Moreover, the number of A+ among the winners is also breaking records. Every sane mind among us knows how things work in the education sector across Kerala. The crazy decision to award surplus marks to students will invariably restrict the aptitude and skill development capability of students but the freebies continue nonetheless.

It is in this context that the remarks made by the Director of Public Education S. Shanavas turned bitter for the government especially the minister of education. In his speech address to teachers, Shanavas lamented the culture of gifting A+ marks to students who are not even capable of reading one sentence from a book.

“ Inappropriately gifting A's and A+'s is tantamount to cheating children. Children will benefit only if there happens a real test that can help them explore their true levels.” Shanavas said.

At the same time, the director of education openly said that it is a big evil to let those who have no merit into the field of higher education by giving them A plus. The director's remarks have become controversial after the audio recording of his speech in a workshop attended only by teachers was released. When the officer in charge of public education himself speaks openly about the examination farce in the state, it speaks volumes about the decrepit state of the education sector in Kerala.

However, Education Minister V. Sivankutty sought an explanation from the director. The minister has also clarified that the director's opinion should not be seen as the government's position. He also says that it is not the government's policy to improve the quality of education by failing children.

There are scientific methods to measure the ability and quality of children according to the ongoing changes in the education system. Methods including continuous evaluation are part of this. Not many would agree with conducting arduous exams that normally make students sweat with anxiety.

At the same time, the tests should be adequate to measure the learning level of the children. Dismissing an expert's opinion certainly won’t bring any laurels to the government. Feedback should be taken and work should be made after obtaining opinions from experts in the Education domain.

If things including the grading system to ensure the quality of learning are done honestly, no one will fail. Students falling behind in their studies can be helped in a plethora of ways. Along with this, the tendency to exaggerate the win percentage by showering surplus marks should be stopped.