Several schoolteachers in Madurai district were found awarding no mark even when the answer is partially right while evaluating answer-sheets of 10 and Plus Two students. To project themselves as “strict” teachers, they have been denying marks to students .
This has come to light during a subject-wise analysis of quarterly examination results conducted by the School Education Department.
The teachers have been instructed to go by the merit of the answer and award marks accordingly without denying the student what he deserves.
J. Angelo Irudayasamy, Chief Educational Officer, told The Hindu on Wednesday that teachers had been asked to do the paper valuation properly for half-yearly examinations for Class X and Class XII, which were under way.
“Some teachers are trying to maintain a ‘strict image’ and award low marks. In fact, it would demoralise the students in their run-up to the public examinations. If the answer is partially correct, you have to give some marks. But, you cannot strike it off ,” he added.
The CEO said that intensive coaching would commence immediately after the half-yearly holidays. High-scoring bright students and low-scoring weak students would be identified soon.
A question bank for State Board Class X and Class XII would be distributed to all schools covering all subjects. A school-wise analysis of half-yearly results would be done and those schools which fared poorly pulled up and reoriented. Mr. Irudayasamy said that equal importance was given for classes 6, 7 and 8 from this year since it is the foundation for board examinations.
“There has been a tendency to ignore students of classes 6 to 8. Even though there is no compulsion of passing in government schools, they should have competency so that they can do well in higher classes,” he added.
A meeting of headmasters and principals was convened by the CEO on Tuesday to discuss the examination preparedness of students and teachers.
