PANAJI
Amid lingering concerns from parents over the difficulty level of the first centralized assessment, the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has announced that it will conduct the second competency-based centralized common summative examination for students of Classes 3 to 8 in the first week of March, with assurances that the question papers will be comparatively easier while continuing with application-based questions as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The first-ever centralized common examination, held in October last year, had triggered strong opposition from parents, who alleged that the question papers were excessively difficult for young children, particularly those aged seven and eight. Parents had also raised concerns over 3D aptitude and reasoning questions, claiming that the final paper did not match the model question papers shared with schools and families. Some had demanded a re-examination.
Speaking to The Goan, SCERT director Meghana Shetgaonkar said that the second common competency-based examination will be held in the first week of March for the students of grade 3-8. “The dates would be announced shortly,” she said.
SCERT said the difficulty level of the examination will be kept on the lower side compared to the previous assessment, while continuing with competitive and application-based questions.
At the backdrop of parents’ concern, Shetgaonkar said SCERT conducted taluka-level orientation programmes for teachers and parents to clarify the examination pattern and address apprehensions. “Parents were assured that the difficulty level would be reduced, but there will be no compromise on the competency-based nature of the assessment,” she said.
She added that the NEP steering committee, headed by Secretary (Education) IAS Prasad Lolayekar, had taken the feedback from parents seriously. “The competitive and application-based examination will continue,” Shetgaonkar reiterated.
According to SCERT, NEP places emphasis on aptitude-based assessments right from the foundational stage to better prepare students for higher-level competitive examinations in subsequent classes.
SCERT stated that the centralized common summative examinations aim to bring uniformity and standardisation in student assessment across schools in the state. Around 1.20 lakh students are expected to appear for the examination.
The examination is compulsory for all schools across Goa, and SCERT has warned that any lapses in compliance will be viewed seriously.
