J&K to introduce grading system in school education

Jammu, Jan 11 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir governmenthas decided to introduce grading system to assess performanceof students in state-run schools, in order to make the testsstress-free and reduce the rate of depression among children.

"In order to bring reforms in education system and doaway with trend of demoralisation of the students due topercentage pattern, the Education Ministry has decided tointroduce grading system in academic results of schooleducation," Minister for Education Peerzada Mohmmad Sayeedtold reporters here today.

"This will also stop the trend of suicide bids as oncegrading system is in place, no one will fail and get a chanceto improve," he said.

The system will be in use from the current session for9th and 10th standards, Sayeed said, adding, there will be 9grades as per the new pattern.

90 per cent and above would be graded as A1, followedby 80-89 per cent as A2, 70-79 per cent as B1 and marks below20 per cent will be graded E2, he said.

Referring to accountability in private schools on feestructures, he said that a clause has also been introduced bythe government under which all private schools have to getthemselves registered with the JK Board of School Education.

"Constitution of Management Committees, ParentsAssociation will be made mandatory in the private schools asit will keep check on untimely fee hike and other decisionsbeing taken by the school authorities", Sayeed said.

In reply to a question, he said the government hasissued orders to streamline the private tuition system so thattutors do not charge exorbitant fees from students whilekeeping necessary infrastructure.

"Deadline has been given to them for registrationwithin the prescribed norms. He said no government teacher isallowed to teach in such private centres during officialworking time," he said.

Regarding the ducation buildings, he said Rs 36 crorehave been sanctioned for upgrading schools and Rs 40 crore foropening of new educational institutions.