Tamil Nadu School Education: Common Question Paper For Period Exams For Primary School Students Sparks Worries

Usually, question papers are prepared only at the school level for primary classes, teachers said. A section of teachers said common question papers may not suit elementary school children. As the National Education Policy (NEP), which is opposed by the State government, envisages common board exams for Classes III, V and VIII, a few teachers said the move may be in line with the national policy.

“All three term exams have so far been conducted only with question papers prepared at the school level. When students are coming to schools after a two-year gap due to the COVID-19 lockdown, preparation of question papers at school level will help teachers assess children better,” said S Mayil, State General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Primary Teachers’ Federation.

Concerns regarding the system

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in a circular to Chief Educational Officers had earlier said the State-wide question papers will be sent to all districts in CD format and answers would be sent to schools after the exams are over.

“The intention that learning among students should be uniform is right. However, it can’t be done by conducting a State-level exam for primary classes as it will create fear of exams among children. If there is an attempt to introduce public exams in primary classes, our association will strongly oppose it. The State-wide assessment will also put differently-abled students at a disadvantage,” said Doss, General Secretary, Elementary School Teachers’ Association.