Students Of The Ear: Education Officials Now Tasked With Motivating Those Who Under-Perform, To Up Pass Percentages

A circular issued by the Directorate of Education, dated 27 November, has stated that 27 schools which have pass percentages of between zero and five in Class XII half-yearly examinations had been shortlisted for inspection to evaluate progress and efforts.

As part of ‘an inspection’ of ‘low-performing,’ officials have been tasked with counselling and motivating students and teachers. However, there is minimal clarity on the role of the counsellor.

“Counsellors will identify and guide students and teachers who might need special help. They will see if there’s any specific problem troubling them, and boost their morale. They will chalk out their own plan to deal with the situation,” stated Sanjay Goel, Director of Education.

While a counsellor in charge of one district claimed that she has, accordingly, prepared a plan, the counsellor in charge of another district, has said that she had not been included in the programme and that she did not have any mandate on this matter.

On the lack of clarity, an official said, “The posts of counsellors in-charge were only filled last year, and they have no precedent to follow. Many of them are holding joint charge of more than one district. Given that these inspections are happening late in the day, some mechanism must be put in place while dealing with students,” as reported by Indian Express.