Exam test clash worries schools

Schools and students alike are in a dilemma after the Maharashtra State Council School Education department announced the dates for baseline tests. Schools say that the dates will interfere with their mid-term examination schedule and create panic among the students. The test is conducted by the school education department to assess comprehension of subject matter by students in two subjects namely first language and Maths.

According to the circular issued by the department, schools are to conduct the second round of baseline tests of class 2 to 8 before the Diwali holidays on October 18-19. This according to schools would pose a problem to students, as they would be appearing for the semester exams at the same time.

“The baseline test schedule is extremely unnerving for the students as they will have to prepare for two exams simultaneously. We received a lot of objections from parents regarding the same and have forwarded it to the education department. The tests could have been scheduled before the semester exams or after schools reopened,” said the principal of a suburban school.

Reshma Ladak, a parent from the western suburbs, said, “Our children are already under tremendous pressure. Now if they are expected to study additionally it will prove to be extremely stressful. Rather than testing the comprehension levels, the education department’s decision will test the endurance of students,” said Ms Ladak. She added that the inclusion of the tests in the regular schedule of the exams would delay the semester exams causing their vacation plans to go awry.

Mollifying the inhibitions of the schools and parents an official from the education department said, “The baseline tests will not be different from the semester exams and in fact the students do not have to give any additional test.”