Should 30% marks be in hands of school authorities?

After drawing up the draft of the newly implemented system - School Based Comprehension Evaluation System (SEC) in standard X -- the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Board (GSHEB) has apparently felt the new system may have its share of anomalies and so has sought a feedback on it from reputed schools across the state.

The board authorities have issued letters to the concerned District Education Officers (DEOs) to find whether the system of giving weightage of 30% to schools would be feasible.

In the letter issued to the DEOs, the authorities have sought a response on what kind of changes in the draft the schools would want to make to improve the new system. In the feedback, the schools would also need to mention if they think if there could be any misuse of power given to the schools.

In the new system, the board has decided to give 70% weightage to the board exam and 30% to school based evaluation through formative and summative exams throughout the year.  

"There are some grey areas in the draft. We have also realised it, as it might give teachers more power. They should be mature enough to give transparent and deserving marks to students and not favour any one. School authorities know the capabilities and quality of teachers. So, in order to improve the implementation, we have asked schools to give us their feedback within 15 days," said a senior board official.

Seniors in the field of education say that the schools might not suggest many changes as the move will help them by get a chance to improve the school's results. GSHEB secretary MI Joshi said that after getting the response, the board will decide if they need to carry out any changes to make the system more efficient.
Joshi said as soon as they get the suggestions, they will discuss it with the executive board and state education department. At these meetings they will decide on their further course of action, he said.