Grades welcome, but queries remain

Koninica Dasgupta set herself a target of 85% when she got promoted to Class X this year. Hoping to opt for science in Class XI, she knew that anything less than that in the Boards would hamper her chances. But Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal’s announcement about starting the grading system has come as a relief. ‘‘Now I will have a range of marks as target. Though the tension is still there, it’s much less,’’ said the student of Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj.

Even as the CBSE formulates the final grading plan, students and teachers are weighing the pros and cons. Replacing Class X marks with grades in 2009-10 is being seen as a sure way of reducing stress among children and many of them have welcomed the decision. Teachers and parents, too, are ready for the long-debated change, but there are some apprehensions.

The new system will have a nine-point grade system, giving a bracket to the students to target. Said Sakshi Gautam, a Class X student of DPS R K Puram: ‘‘I really wanted the grading system. It would really help those who can’t score well. Even if one scores 50%-60%, it would show as a grade which may not be as bad as the numbers. We won’t be stressed or lose confidence now.’’

Even teachers are gearing up for a new wave in the examination system. Though there are questions on its feasibility and the probable increase in the workload of teachers and students, most schools in the city have welcomed the change. Usha Ram, principal, Laxman Public School, and member of one of the reforms committee formed by MHRD, said, ‘‘The children will benefit from grading as now someone with 92% will be at the same level as another student with 97%. There shouldn’t anyway be much difference between 92% and 97%.’’

She added, ‘‘The grading system and the eventual continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) will make schools more accountable. The evaluation will be application-oriented and not based on rote-learning.’’ Feroze Bakht Ahmed, who teaches English at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, added, ‘‘Giving marks was inhuman. Grading is definitely a safer bet. It will give credence to achievement and not the score.’’

Some parents, however, are not sure if it will be smooth sailing for the first batch to get grades. Said Divya Tripathi, parent of a Class X student, ‘‘As it’s happening for the first time, there may be some hiccups. I don’t want my son to be confused throughout the year. Class X batch is already halfway through and the government should come out with details fast.’’

Those students, who expected to get the marks, are a little disappointed too. Kriiti Prabhakar from Holy Child, Vasant Vihar, said, ‘‘What about those who could score well? Grading will make students complacent.”