CBSE makes major changes in assessment format

Doha: Qatar schools affiliated with CBSE were adjusting themselves to the recent changes made by the board with regards to CBSE-i, class X examinations and the third language rules. Now the board has unveiled further changes this time affecting the assessment process and report cards handed over to the parents. 

To be implemented from this academic year (2017-18), CBSE has formally junked the continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) scheme for class VI to VIII replacing it with a new system of two-term based assessment. This step is taken to increase confidence in students to start preparing for class X Board examination, which will come into effect from 2018, where the whole syllabus of the academic year will be covered. 

Previously the students had to appear for two formative and two summative assessments in a year with the scores. Now as per the new assessment, both the terms (Term 1 and 2) will be each for 100 marks. The 100 marks would be broken down to half yearly exam for 80 marks and the remaining 20 will be for periodic test (10 marks), notebook (5 marks) and subject enrichment (5 marks).  

Further each school issued different types of report cards which hampered the students when they migrated to another school. To make it easier for students to migrate within the CBSE affiliated schools, CBSE has prepared a report card pattern which will be identical across schools.

The rows will specify the scores for each subjects as per periodic test, notebook, subject enrichment and half yearly exam  for each term and the corresponding grades. There will be a 3 point grading for co-scholastic areas and discipline. Meanwhile, the class IX report card will have single yearly term score with five point grading for co-scholastic assessment.   

Apart from the schools, parents are apprehensive of these frequent changes done by the Board. One of the parents whose child studies in class VI of CBSE-i said: "I was apprehensive about scrapping of the international stream and the adjustments that my child will have to make in the new system. Now this change in assessment will require children to study entire six months portion as compared to the previous three months."

But not everyone is complaining as this change would mean children getting adjusted to the load much before they reach the crucial class X. Suma Vinod parent of a class VI student said: "It is important that children score well in class X and such a move by the CBSE will only benefit the children."   

Though reaction for this change in assessment varies from parent to parent, almost all of them voiced a hope that such frequent changes to the education board doesn't become a norm.

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CBSE approves compulsory Class X board exams