Baseline tests for primary students now postponed to September

Confirming that the test has now been postponed to early September, Govind Nandede, director of SCERT, said the delay was taking place due to the sheer number of students. “The tests are to be conducted in all schools across the state, irrespective of their affiliations to other boards like Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) or other international boards. Hence, there are lakhs of students to be tested. Similarly, we will need that much printed material, logistics in getting materials across, arrangements for assessments etc, all of which is taking more time than we had anticipated. Tentatively, we are hoping to conduct the test on September 8, but it is not a confirmed date. It could change depending on the work left to be done,” he said.

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Nandede said that questions in the baseline test would be uniform across the state and based on what students have learnt until the previous years.
Meanwhile, though papers are expected to be checked at the school level by teachers and results entered online, teachers say they have yet to receive any clear instructions from the SCERT or district level education officials on this assessment test. “We have not been informed about what the tests will be like, what students need to study and when it will take place. I hope some kind of advice notice is sent to us to avoid any panicking in students or parents,” said Leena Chaudhary, principal of Symbiosis School.

While some school principals say that though they have received some “hints” about the kind of tests to be conducted, they have no indication of the timing. “However if you ask me, it’s a good thing and nothing to be worried about. It is based on what we have taught students so far or rather the basics of what they are expected to know. Currently, we have the no-fail policy but at the same time it is important to know if quality of education and understanding of subjects of students is suffering as a result of the policy which this test can help judge. We welcome it, though an advance notice on the timeline and manner of conducting the exams would be helpful,” said Anita Pandit, principal of Sardar Dastur Girls High School.