For long, government schools were content with achieving 100 per cent pass in Standard X, or Plus-Two examinations.
The Department of School Education is now asking government schools to focus on producing toppers at district level, and aim for ranks. Government schools in Coimbatore district secured a few ranks in the last Standard X public examinations but failed to get any in the Plus-Two.
Chief Educational Officer A. Gnanagowri told The Hindu here on Thursday that all teacher vacancies in Standard X, and Plus-Two in government and aided schools were filled in the first week of the academic year itself either by deputation or through teachers hired by parent teachers association. Daily special classes began from day one of the academic year this time. Earlier, the practice was to hold these classes just before the public examinations. Special ‘slit tests’ would be held upon completing a set of portion to assess the progress of students.
“The teachers have already identified the capability of students, and have grouped them accordingly. Those seen as capable of scoring high marks will be encouraged to aim for ranks,” she said.
Teachers who secure outstanding performances would be honoured.
Ms. Gnanagowri said that those teachers who obtained 100 per cent pass were honoured last year.
The School Education Minister, K.C. Veeramani, and the Education Secretary, D. Sabitha, have already conducted two zonal meetings to review the performance of government schools in other parts of the State. A third one would be held at Coimbatore for the Western districts shortly, she said.
