'No-detention' policy impact: Class-10 students faring far worse than Class-3
The latest National Achievement Survey (NAS) assessed 15L students across all states and union territories to reveal alarming findings: Class-10 students were doing far worse than even Class-3 students, thanks to the CBSE's former 'no-detention' policy. They had to struggle to score even 40% in math, science, social science and English, performing better only in Indian languages. In fact, as class increased, learning outcomes fell.
About the no-detention policy
The no-detention policy, a key feature of the 2010 Right to Education Act, allowed automatic promotion of students till Class-8, irrespective of performance in exams. As a result, more students were being held back in higher classes, especially in Class-11, as schools screened them before Class 12. The policy was scrapped in August'17 after much protest; only six states batted in its favor.
Here's what the 2018 NAS found
Due to this policy, students were uninterested in doing well, and teachers, in focusing on results. As a result, for 64% of Class-3 students across state, CBSE and ICSE boards answering a math question correctly, the score for Class-10 students fell below 40% for all boards barring AP. The figure showed a declining trend: from 64%, it dropped to 54% in Class-5 and 42% in Class-8.
Performance in English was similar, but Indian languages were better
Outcomes were similar for English, the NAS found. While 67% Class-3 students gave correct answers, only 58% Class-5 and 56% Class-8 students did so. For Class-10, no state barring Manipur crossed 42%. Only in modern Indian languages did as many as 19 states and UTs cross 50%. AP and Rajasthan performed better among state boards. Delhi had the highest overall score of 45.6%.
Stricter evaluation processes the need of the hour
The result is more underperforming students in higher classes. Reintroduction of the Class-10 board exams may compound the problem. "The government doesn't want to stress students by compulsory-grading in junior classes, but a passing requirement might be needed in Classes-5 and 8," a source concluded. Schools had been authorized to detain students in Class-5 and 8. However, they're to be given a second chance.
