Thiruvananthapuram: Remedial classes for students of classes 5 to 9 in government schools in Thiruvananthapuram have been rescheduled following new instructions from the education department, leading to confusion among school authorities over implementation.
According to the revised order from the Director of General Education, remedial classes for students who scored below 30% in the annual examination will now be held from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. This change follows a directive from the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which instructed that classes must conclude by 10:30 AM.
Earlier, schools had prepared to conduct classes from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM based on an initial circular. The late-night revision of timings led to hurried adjustments by school administrations.
Confusion in schools over implementation
School headmasters reportedly remained uncertain throughout the day regarding the final schedule, as the revised order was issued late in the evening. In several schools, only verbal instructions were received, focusing mainly on ensuring that classes end by 10:30 AM.
There is also uncertainty over whether classes could begin smoothly on the first day due to the last-minute changes. Reports suggest that some informal directions have further complicated clarity on attendance criteria for students.
Concerns over effectiveness and staffing
The short duration of remedial classes has also drawn criticism, with concerns that conducting three-hour sessions daily to cover an entire year's syllabus may be ineffective.
Adding to the challenge, a shortage of teachers in high schools due to ongoing SSLC evaluation duties has impacted staffing arrangements for the classes.
There have also been conflicting instructions regarding student eligibility, with some guidance suggesting that students who passed through combined internal assessment and written exams may not need remedial support, although official directions state otherwise.
Separate situation in Palakkad district
In Palakkad district, rising temperatures have led authorities to suspend physical classes in all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and coaching centres.
District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty has ordered that classes be conducted online instead. The directive also applies to remedial classes, which will now shift to virtual mode due to the ongoing heat conditions.