Classes should be held from 8 am to 1 pm; cabinet approves second part of Khader committee report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Khader Committee has recommended a major change to school timings in the state, proposing that classes be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to the committee, the morning hours, from 8 am to 1 pm, are the best time to study. Students can use the post-lunch time, from 2 pm to 4 pm to pursue arts, sports, yoga and group activities. The report stated that the schools can decide on changing the timings considering their requirements.

The cabinet meeting held yesterday approved the second part of the report. The second part of the report submitted by the expert committee chaired by Prof. MA Khader mentions about academic excellence. The cabinet has decided to implement the recommendations after reaching a consensus through discussion.

Other recommendations

• Master's degree qualification for teachers at secondary level (8-12)
• Higher education of teachers up to PhD should be encouraged
• The minimum qualification of teachers at lower primary and pre-primary classes should be degree.
• Children's mental, physical and social growth should be ensured through learning activities.
• Determination of posts should be revised; Teacher transfer and office systems should be reformed
• Major changes are required in current textbook concepts.
• The practice of awarding grace marks can continue. The current method of awarding marks should be revised.
• The learning method should be at a level that develops the child's thinking and questioning ability
• There should be a maximum of only 25 children in a class in pre-school.
• Maximum of 35 children in classes 1 to 12.