The timing of an RMSA-conducted training programme for teachers of class IX and X and an educational tour for schools, both slated this month, has upset a section of schools. They say with Board examinations for class X just over a month away and schools busy with revision exams, it is simply unsuitable.
Krishna Kumari (name changed), a government school teacher from north Chennai, has had a satisfying Monday getting trained along with 180-odd mathematics teachers by experienced faculty. But, she has her qualms as revision tests are coming up.
While a few chapters are still pending for classes VIII and IX, what has upset Ms. Kumari the most is she would next meet class X students only after 15 days. “No training programmes should be conducted from January onwards. The academic year anyway started late and organising such programmes during this time puts undue pressure on us,” she said.
Along with the week-long workshop for mathematics teachers of government and aided schools scheduled this week, an educational tour is also being organised for high school students and teachers would naturally accompany them.
Tamilnadu Teachers Association has written to the Chief Minister and the School Education Secretary expressing their objection. According to P.K.Ilamaran, president of the Association, science teachers were called for the workshop last week. “In some schools, two to three teachers are being sent. Our request is to take such initiatives at the beginning of the academic year,” he said.
But, not all schools are complaining. A headmistress of government-aided school in T.Nagar said, “Although I am aware of the training programme, we did not get a request to send our teachers.” As it is the first year of ‘Samacheer Kalvi', any training programme should offer more clarity about the syllabus, she pointed.
An official from the RMSA when contacted said, “Why should this be an issue for schools?” The training programme is not compulsory and schools need not send all their teachers. It is well spread – science teachers were called last week and this week it is mathematics teachers. If a school wants to give exposure to their teachers, the least they can do is send one teacher, said the official. “Next year, we will have it much earlier. This being the first year of ‘Samacheer Kalvi' and the academic year having begun late, some schools perhaps want more time for revision,” the official added.
