Classes for the new Plus One batches, on changed syllabus, began in the State four months ago. Till now, teachers have not only been trained on the ‘changed methodology,’ says the Kerala Aided Higher Secondary Teachers’ Association. Handbooks, on how to handle the new curriculum, have not been issued either.
Of the 58 textbooks, prescribed for different Plus One courses in 49 combinations, 39 are new. Around 29,000 higher secondary teachers need to be trained in dealing with the changed textbooks and methodology. “But the higher secondary department has not acted even after four months,” says Joshey Antoney, president of the association.
Guest lecturersTraining will have to be given to 2,000 teachers who would be appointed as ‘guest lecturers’ in around 500 new higher secondary batches, recently sanctioned by the government. “Majority of these guest lecturers are not experienced in teaching in the higher secondary section. If they are not trained properly, the impact on the academic standards in the higher secondary sector will be severe,” he says. Mr. Antony says only less than 1,000 teachers have been trained so far this year. Teacher’s suicide
The association, which demanded an inquiry into the reasons that led to the suicide of a teacher at the Munniyur school in Malappuram district, also urged the government not to implement the Education Minister’s decision to give more powers to the aided school managements in the pretext of Kerala Education Rules changes.
