The declaration of the results of the HSLC Exam.-2013 once
again ignites the usual debate on the analysis of the poor performance of Govt.
Schools in Nagaland. Our Hon’ble Chief Minister and many other people’s
representatives have already expressed their anguish over the state of affairs
of the Govt. schools. Many responsible individuals and organizations have been
airing their concerns and suggesting remedial measures for the improvement of
the plight of Govt. schools. In fact, this is a complex issue and different
people have been analyzing the causes from different angles. But the objective
of all the writers is the same; everyone wants to witness the progress the
Govt. school children.
Most of the writers have been free from prejudices in
their approach but we could sense the behavior of defense mechanism in the
write ups few of them. Of course it is quite natural; the habit of
rationalizing failure is found in almost every person. But I feel sad that many have shifted the
blame on the underprivileged, uneducated parents and the innocent children. It
is the easiest thing for us because we are sure that these helpless people will
never raise their voice against us. The analysis made by the All Nagaland School
Teachers Association in this regard is comprehensive and I honestly agree with most
of their observations. But unfortunately their report is also not free from the
above stated defect.
Many writers have cited the poor quality /
background of students as one of the reason for the poor results. Some writers
have even stated that most of the students in Govt. schools are domestic helps
who don’t get enough time to devote to studies. I do agree that most of the
Government school students belong to the poorer sections of society and from
rural backgrounds, whose parents are mostly illiterate and could not ensure to
provide proper study hours to their children. But let us NOT forget that we are
given a secured Govt. job and paid a handsome salary by the Govt. for bringing
changes in the life of these poor children.
We should remember that the Govt. schools are
NOT criticised for failing to produce qualitative results. All the society
expects from us at this juncture is only a quantitative result. In simple
words, we are not asked to produce rank holders now. All we are asked is to
ensure at least a reasonable pass % with the minimum pass marks. I have
attended few training programmes conducted by the NCERT and SCERT on the New
Curriculum Framework and were fortunate to be trained by some of the best
Academicians of our country. I could confidently say that a student could
easily secure the minimum pass marks even if he/she could not devote time for
home study. All a child needs is sincere & systematic teaching at the
school. Another important fact is that whatever may be the environment at home,
a student would definitely find time to study if he/she is inspired by the
teacher. Unfortunately, our greatest shortcoming is that many of the teachers fail
to inspire their students.
Many writers have also blamed the Non-Detention
policy under the RTE act for the poor performance of Govt. schools.
Unfortunately, the essence of the above policy has been misconceived by many
authorities and teachers. The intention of the Non –detention policy is to
ensure the completion of Elementary School Education of every child by the
tireless and dedicated efforts of the teachers through Continuous and
Comprehensive Evaluation. But in reality it has been taken granted that children
should be promoted till class 9 without bothering to provide them the knowledge
and skills necessary for continuing further studies at the upper secondary
stage. It seems that we have a Right Policy at a Wrong Place.
Please note that I am not blaming the teachers
alone for the shortcomings described above. It is the whole system which is to
be blamed. But, for a child the teacher is the main link between his life and
the world outside. So, the responsibility of teachers is much more than anybody
else. The remedial measures suggested by ANSTA are comprehensive and all we
need to do is rededicate our self to the cause of education and serve God
through the service of mankind.
