Heavy school bags in Maharashtra CBSE, ICSE schools: State to seek centre’s intervention

School Education Minister Vinod Tawde had announced on Friday that the weight of school bags of students studying under the state board (SSC) were not heavy due to a resolution passes by the state two years ago following the Bombay High court's directions.

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Published:July 29, 2017 12:56 pm

 

Congress’ Sanjay Dutt also voiced that heavy schoolbags can result in long-term medical issues.

School students in Maharashtra may be granted relief as the Union Human Resourse Development minister Prakash Javadekar has planned to approach the state government to discuss the issue of heavy schoolbags carried by students studying in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).

School Education Minister Vinod Tawde had announced on Friday that the weight of school bags of students studying under the state board (SSC) were not heavy due to a resolution passes by the state two years ago following the Bombay High court’s directions. He said that 94 per cent of school bags in the state are now considerably lighter.

Since CBSE and ICSE affiliated schools do not come under the state’s jurisdiction, there has been no change in the issue, Tawde said adding that the state government will seek audience with the HRD minister before the end of August to check this issue.

Following this thought, Congress’ Sanjay Dutt also voiced that heavy schoolbags can result in long-term medical issues as it has been noted by doctors and asked the state government to direct the CBSE and other central boards to reduce the weight of school bags.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/education/heavy-school-bags-in-maharashtra-cbse-icse-schools-state-to-seek-centre-intervention-4772555/

CBSE considering holding X & XII board exams simultaneously

Abhishek Choudhari | TNN | Jul 31, 2017, 02:15 AM IST

Nagpur: If everything goes according to plan, CBSE may conduct its Std X and XII board exams on the same date in future. A CBSE official said the suggestion had emerged from a meeting with some school principals and is being actively considered.

CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma said, "The suggestion is being referred to the committee constituted to give suggestions on systemic improvement of the evaluation process in future board exams." City schools say, if implemented, this move will definitely help in managing logistics better.

Anmol Badjatia, principal of Jain International, said, "In Nagpur, very few schools are exam centres, so there is definitely a load on resources. If exams are conducted in two shifts, then this might be possible and they will be able to utilize the infrastructure. But two different shifts will definitely be needed to do it."

Plex John, principal of Edify School, said, "Already, university level exams are conducted in this manner. The BA first year paper will be in the morning whereas second year paper will be in the afternoon. So, if it is done as per the shift system, there will be a lot of benefit to everyone."

Swati Chauhan, principal of Central India Public School (Kamptee Road), said, "I think manpower can be managed much better if this is done."

Another point of view emerging is that managing logistics won't be that easy since exam duration does not provide a complete picture. Shilpee Ganguly, principal of Centre Point School (Katol Road), said, "Students are in the exam room for 3.5 hours, which includes their pre-exam time as well. Apart from this, we need one hour to prepare everything for a crucial exam as this, which requires 4.5 hours. And then Std X students will need to be out of the campus completely before the second shift of Std XII exam starts, and that time also needs to be accounted for. It can be done, if it has to be, but it's not a feasible option."

The other change CBSE is planning is to advance the board exams to February, from current March. This will help CBSE to wrap up exams a month earlier and leave enough time to deal with revaluation (if any) issues and declare early results. Schools say this will result in students getting almost a month less for revision. Ganguly said, "Syllabus is completed in every school by December and if this new rule comes into affect then we'll have to wrap up by November."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/cbse-considering-holding-x-xii-board-exams-simultaneously/articleshow/59837444.cms

17000 CBSE schools may see change as PMO pushes for military-model training

Pushing for sainik school-type learning to promote discipline, physical education, patriotic outlook

Factchecker Team  August 1, 2017 Last Updated at 08:52 IST

Around 17,000 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)-affiliated schools across the country could be the testing ground after the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) asked the ministry of human resources to consider replicating the model of sainik schools (military schools) in all schools across the country.

The PMO was pushing for sainik school-type learning to promote discipline, physical education and a patriotic outlook among students. 

There are 25 sainik schools across the country, according to the 2016-17 annual report of the defence ministry.

The schools, run by Sainik Schools Society, admit students based on entrance tests held in January every year.

“Approximately one-fourth of cadets in each batch of National Defence Academy (NDA) are from sainik Schools,” the annual report of the defence ministry said.

“For the 136th NDA/ INA course, which commenced in July 2016, a total of 102 cadets from all sainik Schools have joined the NDA and Naval Academy”.

The human resources ministry is keen to develop the model initially in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs or central schools) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) under the control of the CBSE, Indian Express reported on July 21, 2017.

The ministry is of the view that it would be easier to replicate such elements in JNVs, which are also residential schools.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/17000-cbse-schools-may-see-change-as-pmo-pushes-for-military-model-training-117080100172_1.html

To make kids aware of sexual abuse, CBSE asks schools to screen Komal

Meanwhile, the circular further states that the schools may download the film or stream it live from the links given above, preferrably at the time of the whole school assembly.

Written by Himani Bahuguna | Chandigarh | Published:July 30, 2017 3:37 am

THE CENTRAL Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed schools affiliated to CBSE to screen the short animation film, Komal, which has won the national award in the category of Best Educational Film to create awareness among school children about inappropriate touch. “Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, had commissioned the screening of Komal at all the schools and the film is uploaded and available at CBSE YouTube channel. The CBSE has informed schools vide Notification dated 24th October 2015 regarding this film before as well,” reads the CBSE circular which is available on the board’s website.

Talking to Chandigarh Newsline, as if the Commission would ensure implementation of the circular in city schools, Professor Nishtha Jaswal, member of the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR), said, “We would certainly ensure that the schools should screen the film and with this, the commission has already been working hard to make sure that each child along with their parents are aware of the POCSO Act as only the awareness can stop the increasing sexual offences.”

She further stated, “On Monday, the commission would be meeting and we would make sure that the education department follows the directions given by the CBSE. It has always been a big problem that the directions are left on paper only and not implemented. But, this time, we will ensure that the directions are followed so that not only the children but also the parents get sensitised about the issue. We will also hold a meeting with the education department over this.”

Jaswal added, “The commission is also planning that before sensitising the children about sexual offences, parents, especially those living in colonies, should be sensitised so that the unfortunate incidents like that of the 10-year old would be avoided. We will even propose that the city cinema halls should also have awareness slides for this so that the awareness can reach the maximum strata of society.”

“With the aim of ensuring speedy action on POCSO complaints and sensitising city residents about the sexual offences, the region’s first POCSO Cell has been set up by CCPCR and with this, the commission has already been organising workshops at the city government schools, teaching the students about good and bad touch,” said Pramod Sharma, CCPCR member.

Meanwhile, the circular further states that the schools may download the film or stream it live from the links given above, preferrably at the time of the whole school assembly. It is expected that the schools would ensure that every child of the school views this instructive and informative film so that they are in a better position to help and protect not just themselves but also their friends in any such situation, if occurs.

Make parents aware of POCSO 

With this, the board has also directed that the schools should make both the students and their patents aware of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) E-Box developed by CCPCR. POCSO E-Box facilitates easy and direct reporting of sexual offences against children and by children themselves so that offenders can be taken under POCSO Act, 2012.

The board has directed that the schools should ensure that the parents are made aware about the E-Box on POCSO and Child Abuse at parent-teacher meeting. Also, the information on E-Box should be placed on notice board/school magazine/walls of the school. The school counsellors should be made aware about the E-Box and the students should also be briefed about the E-Box during assemblies.

Source : http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/to-make-kids-aware-of-sexual-abuse-cbse-asks-schools-to-screen-komal-4773506/

No proposal by CBSE to advance board exams: HRD ministry

This issue prompted the board to set up two committees to analyse the process and suggest measures to rectify the loopholes. “The idea will be studied taking into consideration various processes and preparations in the administration of exams,” the official added.

CBSE has last month said that they will not take any decision without consultations with various stakeholders including schools.

The Rajya Sabha was informed today that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has no plan to preponed the class 10 and 12 board examinations that are held in March every year.  “As of now, no such proposal has been moved by the CBSE,” Minister of State for HRD Upendra Kushwaha said in a written reply to whether the board has proposed to advance the annual examinations.
The response comes at a time when various schools raised concerns following reports filed on the exam will be held in February. Keeping rumours aside, the minister clarified they have no such plans. CBSE has last month said that they will not take any decision without consultations with various stakeholders including schools.
The exam advancement idea emerged due to the complaints about faulty evaluation process that happened this year.
This issue prompted the board to set up two committees to analyse the process and suggest measures to rectify the loopholes. “The idea will be studied taking into consideration various processes and preparations in the administration of exams,” the official added.
After complaints by students of evaluation faults in their class 12 exam papers, the CBSE had last month set up two committees to study loopholes in the evaluation process.

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Published:July 27, 2017 4:39 pm
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/education/no-proposal-by-cbse-to-advance-board-exams-hrd-ministry/

Jul 20 2017 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)

Art, physical education classes may get longer

Mumbai: TNN





After requests from teachers' groups, education minister Vinod Tawde said that the government will consider making art and physical education classes longer.

 

Tawde said the state will consider extending the duration to 1 hour instead of the current 35 minutes. “During a physical education period, students take time to go to the ground and begin playing. They also need to get back to class before the next teacher is in. They hardly get time to play and unwind,“ said Uday Nare, teacher, Hansraj Morarji Public School, Andheri.





Source: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=Art-physical-education-classes-may-get-longer-20072017005011#

Jul 20 2017 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)

 

Aadhaar may be made must for all e-courses

 

Manash Gohain|New Delhi





Aadhaar may be made mandatory for pursuing all online courses and only those universities which have been in existence for at least five years are allowed to offer such courses, according to the draft UGC rules. The draft of University Grants Commission (Online education) Regulations, 2017 says there will be continuous assessment even in online courses. The regulatory authority has invited feedback and comments on the draft by August 18.

As per the draft regulations, online courses will be as per UGC's guidelines on choice-based credit system scheme for conventional colleges universities.

For `quality' and `accountability', institutions offering online courses will have to undergo third party audit every two years. According to the eligibility criteria for an institution to be recognised for online programmes, the higher education institution (HEI) should have been in existence as a university for at least five years and should be accredited to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a valid minimum score of 3.25 on 4 point scale.

Moreover, only those courses which are on offer through regular classroom teaching mode will be allowed to be offered as online courses. Also there has to be one teaching assistant if the number of learners in a course crosses the 500 mark, which is apart from a fulltime director, registrar, assistant registrar and other academic staff. Making the process technology-intensive--right from content development using graphics, animation and webinars to e-learning modules and live virtual classroom sessions--even the evaluation and assessment process will require the HEIs to have a robust computer-based testing system for `proctored online examinations' with features like integration with Aadhaar for learner authentication, screen and webcam recording for live invigilation.

A student will get three additional years to complete the programme from the actual duration the formal mode of education. So for a three-yeardegree course, a student will be allowed six years. Institutions intending to offer online programmes will have to pass through two stages of approval. The first stage will comprise audit assessment for the academic technical infrastructural HR compliance. An expert committee will examine the “fitness of courses intended to be offered“ as well as target groups and delivery mechanism.

Source: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=Aadhaar-may-be-made-must-for-all-e-20072017010047#
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Source: http://epaper.loksatta.com

• 18 Jul 2017 | Mumbai | HT Correspondent htmetro@hindustantimes.com

Beware of integrated courses: Edu dept

NOT OUR PROBLEM Department issues advisory on FYJC admissions website, warns students against the so­called integrated junior colleges

MUMBAI: The school education department on Monday warned students against taking admissions in colleges offering integrated courses — training to crack competitive exams along with regular syllabus — in collaboration with private coaching classes.

A disclaimer was put up on the first year junior college (FYJC) admission website in the evening stating that the department would not be responsible for any problem occurring in the future.
The step was taken after members of the Shiv Sena’s students’ wing demanded that the department shutdown colleges offering integrated courses.

In May, the department had shutdown a Borivli college offering such courses and for allegedly admitting students illegally. The department later transferred students to other colleges.
“Parents and students are requested to not take admission in so-called integrated junior college in Mumbai region. If they take admission in such colleges, the department will not be responsible for any problem occurring in the future,” reads the disclaimer.

The Sena had complained that integrated colleges were charging higher fees than those approved by the education department and stipulated in the admission manual.
Students in the Borivli college paid Rs1.5 lakh per year. In some of the integrated colleges, the fee can be anywhere between Rs2 lakh and Rs4 lakh.

Officials from the education department said colleges can only collect fees mentioned in the admission manual.

“We issued a circular informing all the junior colleges that the fees collected by them cannot be more than the sum mentioned in the FYJC manual,” said BB Chavan, deputy director of education, Mumbai region.
He also issued a letter on Monday stating that the department has asked zonal education inspectors to compile a list of colleges offering integrated courses and conduct inquiries.

The CBSE board in 2015 had said that it would cancel affiliations of colleges offering integrated courses.

Source: http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Jul 14 2017 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)

 

Now, no oral exam for state board's Class IX students, Class X next year 

 

Vinamrata Borwankar | Mumbai:





Starting this academic year, Class IX students from Maharashtra state board-affiliated schools will have to write 100-mark theory papers for languages and social sciences. The board has done away with orals and internal exams for the subjects. The change will apply to Class X students next year.

 

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board revamped the Class IX syllabus this year and the change in paper patterns is part of the same initiative. Until now, students would appear for internal examinations, which could fetch 20 marks in every subject.These internal exams would be conducted at the school level.

A circular issued by the board on Wednesday stated that the paper pattern for science and mathematics will remain the same. Oral examination has been done away with in languages. In social sciences, too, students will now appear for a 100-mark written exam where history and geography will constitute 40 marks each and political science will be worth 20 marks. Graded subjects will have no written exams.

In the past, education officials have found that students were marked very leniently in the internal examinations even if they did not perform well. The decision was taken following meetings last month by experts from the state board and the education department's textbook bureaus.

Teachers have welcomed the move.

“Oral exams did give students a good chance to score and tested skills beyond writing but a lot of schools were not marking students ethically and that meant an unfair advantage,“ said Uday Nare, a Marathi teacher at Hansraj Morarji Public School, Andheri.

Some others are waiting for more details on the marking pattern. “The textbooks are just coming in and we need to see if the changed syllabus or marking criteria will test students beyond the just their ability to mug up and write,“ said a history teacher.





 Source: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=Now-no-oral-exam-for-state-boards-Class-14072017005040#