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Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, February 13
With an aim to motivate schoolteachers and improve the quality of education in government school, teachers will now be evaluated on the basis of engaging students in co-curricular activities.
In a major reform in the evaluation process of schoolteachers in the state, the authorities have earmarked more than 50 per cent marks in the annual confidential report (ACR) for organising extra co-curricular activities for students.
Hence forth, apart from the academic performance of students teachers will also be evaluated for their efforts to engage students in extra-curricular activities.
In fact, out of the total stipulated 250 marks in the ACR, 150 marks have been reserved for teachers’ performance in organising co-curricular activities. Earlier, government teachers were evaluated only on the academic performance of their students.
According to a circular already issued by the Education Department to the district education officer teachers and school in charges will be evaluated on the reformed ACR pro forma from the current academic year.
Push for co-curricular activities in schools
Earlier, the Education Department stated that there were no marks for co-curricular activities, but there was demand from many quarters, including parents, to keep marks for the same and also to introduce extra-curricular activities. Therefore, taking cognizance of all factors the new system was introduced, said the department.
As per the new system, teachers will be given marks for organising science and maths quiz at the district, state and national level; building science corners in schools; organising educational tours and interacting with parents in parents-teachers meet.
Moreover, government teachers can also score more marks in the ACR report by teaching through English medium and using multimedia while taking classes.
Teachers will also benefit from efforts to promote their respective schools through print, social, and electronic media.
Efforts to discontinue conventional approach
Earlier, government schoolteachers used to shy away from non-teaching responsibilities, but from now onwards, they will be awarded for the same. Teachers will get extra marks in their ACR for taking responsibilities other than teaching. They will be given two marks each for becoming NCC/NSS, admission, house, mid-day meal and time table in-charge.
Extra marks for extra classes
Teachers, who will take extra classes after the school hours or during the summer and winter break, will be awarded marks in yearly assessment. Three marks have been reserved for teaching after stipulated school hours. Likewise, they will get maximum of five marks each for organising educational camp during the winter or summer breaks.
Marks for enrolling students in schools
Besides the ongoing enrolment ‘Bring one each one’ drive of the Education Department, teachers can now add a maximum of 20 marks for increasing the student strength in each academic session.
Interestingly, the Education Department will be giving 10 extra marks to teachers if they enrol their own wards in government schools.
Department’s move welcomed by teachers
Government teachers have welcomed the step of the Education Department. “We welcome the step taken by the government. The new reform will surely change the teaching pattern in government schools. I think it will motivate teachers to work harder,” said Gagan Ranu, a math teacher.