RECOMMENDATIONS
 

The fourth National Conference of Sahodaya School Complex was held at Madras from 12th-14th November, 1994. It was attended by eminent educationists and Principals of various schools. The chief objective of the Conference was to focus the attention of the heads of institutions on the emerging challenges in the field of secondary education in tackling them.

The Hon'ble Minister from Human Resource Development was expected to address the Conference as per schedule on 14th November 1994 but due to some sudden change in his programme, he could not make it. He was, however, kind enough to send a copy of his address which was read out. The issue touched upon by the Hon'ble Minister in his written address formed the basis of the deliberations of the participants in the Conference. The following recommendations emerged by way of thorough discussion and the ultimate consensus.

Recommendations

01. In order to cope with the latest development in the social fabric and the advancement in science and technology, the scholastic and non-scholastic areas in the secondary school curriculum both at the class X and class XII levels needs rethinking. it is, therefore, proposed that the CBSE should constitute a task force comprising Principals and subject experts to debate the issues involved in full and submit a comprehensive report for curriculum revision and renewal.

02. In view of the fact that despite the phenomenal efficiency in the conduct of the examinations, the CBSE has been maligned publicly by some irresponsible elements, the Conference suggests that a cell consisting of Board officials and prominent Principals be created to deal with such criticism and Uphold the prestige and image of the Board.

03. Considering the fact that the Principals play a vital role between their schools and the Central Board of Secondary Education, the Conference suggests that the CBSE may introduce a programme of imparting modular training to the Principals in administrative and other allied areas.

04. In order that the schools may have an ongoing programme of updating their academic inputs, the Conference suggests that the CBSE may introduce a periodical programme of conducting seminars to provide interaction to the teachers through seminars, workshops and conferences.

05. The Conference feels that vocational education needs greater stress in the CBSE curriculum. It is, therefore, suggested that the Board should not only take step for

32 Recommendations

the promotion of vocational education but also provide textual and non-textual support through its academic branch.

06. Realising the fact that the traditional values of our country are suffering a setback in social life, it is suggested that the CBSE should initiate steps for introducing value education in school.

07. The Conference realises that the teachers and principals working in the CBSE affiliated schools are doing remarkable work in community development and social transformation. It, therefore, recommends that the State and Centre Governments should recognise this fact and confer State and National Awards on outstanding teachers and principals in a greater number than before.

08. The Conference feels that in order to promote sports and games, the CBSE may take steps for inter-school-cum-inter-state competitions and tournaments among its affiliated schools.

09. The Conference has lately realised that reading habits amongst students are on the decline. it is proposed that the academic branch of the CBSE should suggest ways and means as to how this trend may be arrested and how the reading learning skills can better be promoted in both middle and secondary levels.

10. The Conference realises that the School environment is a phenomenon which needs updation year after year. It is, therefore, suggested that the CBSE should also hold a seminar on this aspect at least once a year to devise and suggest ways and means for environmental improvement.

11. The Conference feels that the present class X social science syllabus is too heavy for the student. Moreover, whereas it needs pruning and deletion of non-vital topics, it also needs the addition of some more vital topics for the benefit of the students. The Conference, therefore, suggests the constitution of some Core Groups by the CBSE to go into this issue and submit its recommendations keeping in view the current socio-cultural and socioeconomic developments.

12. The Conference has reviewed the present integrated syllabus of general science in class X. It, however, has come to the conclusion that its merits of inculcating scientific attitude and scientific temper apart, contentwise it is an inadequate course. The Conference, therefore, suggests that the CBSE may consider the possibility of providing an alternative disciplinary approach to such students as are desirous of pursuing higher courses in the field of Science and Technology after completing their schooling.

13. The Conference noted that though a very vital subject in the modern world some students of humanities and. Commerce groups shun the study of present mathematics course offered at the Senior Secondary Level. In order that these students should not deprive, themselves of the study of mathematics altogether, the Conference suggests that the proposal of providing a lighter syllabus to the students of Humanities and Commerce groups may be mooted in some appropriate committee.

Annexure I