The new assessment criteria in schools have been a subject of disgruntlement especially among students. With a student required to score passing marks in both exams and continuous assessments to get through, many are claiming the new system to be quite difficult. As per a recent report, around 15 per cent of the total students failed. This is more than 21,000 students from nearly 140,000 students across the country. The figure is excluding those of class 10 and 12. But the government says the new system will continue to improve the quality of education.
Four schools were excluded from the report compiled by the Department of School Education due to delay in their exams. Out of more than 21,000 students who failed their classes, nearly 11,500 were boys and over 9500 girls. Percentage wise, Sarpang district saw the highest failed percentage followed by Monggar and Pema Gatshel.
The new assessment structure mandates students from classes IV to XII to obtain a minimum of 40 per cent in both continuous assessment and written examinations to pass.
According to the report, many students failed mainly due to failing their written examination.
“With one event or one activity, you cannot improve the quality of education. We need to do it in a wholesome way. We want our students to be equally worried about their continuous assessment as they are about their exams so that they are on their toes 12 months a year. When education ministry came up with this, I think this is a very good practice. It’s okay even if most students have failed this year. However, the rules for repeaters should be looked after,” Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said during meet the press session.
Meanwhile, most schools across the country, although worried, also shared appreciation for the new assessment system.
“From my point of view, this is a very good system because before it was very easy for students to pass the exam very easily. Even if they scored 35 in their exam, they passed. Moreover when the main exam is combined with CA, students get promoted to higher classes easily. And this is harming our education quality. The new system is good for the education system,” said Dawa Tshering, Principal of Zilukha MSS in Thimphu.
“Usually in the past, the learners generally portray a complacent attitude believing if they maintain or secure high CA, it will sublime or take care of their written examination and their progress report. But now it demands in a different way, which I think is a better move,” said a teacher who wanted to remain anonymous.
The department also conducted an overall performance study of private schools across the country. Of more than 6000 students from classes PP till 11, only around 200 students failed.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
