2 weeks Ago
Pune: The School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF) initiative, launched by the state education department just before exams, has become a bother for teachers. This online system requires teachers to fill in 128 different standards which teachers have to focus instead of students' study, revision, and exam practice. The deadline for completing these tasks was March 10, but extensions were thrice granted.
The poor planning by the education department has caused unrest and teachers' unions have submitted letters to the education minister urging action. Harish Sasankar, state general secretary of Maharashtra Progressive Primary Teachers Association , said the annual exam schedule has been altered with exams set for the end of April leaving insufficient time for comprehensive assessments, projects, grading, and assigning summer homework. He added, " Due to the constant requirement to submit information, attend meetings, and undergo training, it has become impossible to give full attention to students during these crucial months.
Hence, March and April should be declared free of information submissions, training, and meetings. Decisions should be made in the best interest of education." The teachers' association also opposed the uniform exam timetable.
"In Vidarbha, temperatures are high at the end of April for students to take exams and travel home in the heat. Annual exams must start from March 15. Forcing students to engage in online studies during the summer break is inappropriate," Rajesh Bansode, a member of Maharashtra School Teachers' Association, said.
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