Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as the Union Ministry for Education has issued guidelines for re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 across country, the Goa Government is yet to take a call on resuming regular classes for the students. In the first phase, State intends to allow students from Class IX to XII to attend classes in staggered manner.
The Union Ministry has asked education departments to make a comprehensive alternative calendar of activities for the whole year with focus on learning outcomes with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) alternative calendar as its base.
Speaking to media persons on Monday, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that government is yet to take decision on reopening of schools. “We will hold consultation with stakeholders,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources informed that Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) has already initiated process to prepare the question sets for Class X and XI board examinations. “The schools are directed to complete the required portion by December-end or January 2021-end,” sources said.
The educational institutions in the State are shut since mid-march in view of COVID pandemic. The schools are completing syllabus for the current academic year through online classes, which commenced in July.
In a series of guidelines issued to all States, the Ministry of Education has asked education departments to make a comprehensive alternative calendar of activities for the whole year with focus on learning outcomes.
“Academic calendar may be realigned for the whole year in accordance with the emerging situation. Comprehensive academic plan can be prepared as per the guidelines received from the concerned Directorate of Education,” the Ministry said adding that the plan may follow guidelines of Alternative Academic calendar prepared by the NCERT.
The ministry also said the reintegration of students into schools may be taken on priority after reopening.
The teachers are directed to discuss with the students the clear roadmap of the curriculum, the modes of learning to be adopted, to be covered, the time, dates of school-based assessments, breaks, etc.
The States are directed to prepare their own Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for health, hygiene and safety and learning with physical distancing.
