Telangana schools are worried about pre-boards and syllabus completion

With SSC exams just over a month away, school closures have put management in a mess when it comes to conducting pre-boards, which are the final step before board exams. Telangana's SSC exams will be held between May 17 and 22. Teachers are concerned that they will not be able to complete the syllabus before the examination, despite the fact that the government has reduced the number of papers from 11 to six, increased the number of objective questions, and extended the exam time.

“Since schools reopened in February, only 50 percent to 60 percent of the curriculum has been covered in most government schools. With just 40 working days left, we won't be able to finish the curriculum if schools don't reopen. Many students who are unable to comprehend concepts through online classes can find themselves unprepared for exams, according to Chava Ravi, general secretary of the Telangana State United Teachers Federation. Many schools have also been able to administer only one formative assessment test, rather than the two required by boards.

Pre-boards are essential for students this year since much of the teaching is done online. This helps them to practise writing. Teachers say many students are nervous about their success on the boards because schools are uncertain how to conduct them. The uncertainty about whether or not final board exams will be held adds to their anxiety. “Pre-board exams were held in most schools during the last week of April. There is now confusion about that as well, which is proving to be a stumbling block for most students, especially those from public schools. Many students are also concerned that, despite a 30% reduction in the syllabus, they will not be able to complete it,” said Gnaneshwar Addaguduru, a government school teacher from Warangal (urban) district. SSC students are constantly counselled about this confusion in private schools as well. “Many students hope that, as last year, the government will declare that all students will be promoted as a result of the pandemic. However, we are advising them to ensure that they are completely prepared for the exam in any case,” said Srinivas Reddy, president of the Telangana State Recognized School Management Association.