Kerala schools to reopen tomorrow, with revised textbooks, valuation system

Thiruvananthapuram: After the two-month summer vacation, schools in the state are set to reopen on Monday. Unlike the previous years, this academic year marks significant changes in textbooks, the answer sheet valuation system and the discontinuation of the "all pass" practice, and more.

Education Minister V Sivankutty has announced that the "all pass" practice would be discontinued for Classes 1 to 9, with both studies and examinations to be conducted more rigorously. The minister also stated that the requirement for minimum marks in all subjects for the Class 10 would be implemented. The Education Department expects around 3 lakh new students to join the first grade.

After a 10-year gap, textbooks have been revised for Classes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Another special feature this year is the inclusion of lessons that promote gender equality. Textbooks that have not been revised have already been distributed to the students, officials said. Additionally, after a long interval, the alphabet chart has been reintroduced in Class 1.

Minimum marks for subjects, which were discontinued in 2005, will be reinstated. Continuous assessment will no longer involve grading on a curve. This also indicates that 100 per cent pass rates should no longer be expected.
Meanwhile, the crisis in class 11 admissions in Malabar will continue this year as well. Even after the trial allotment, many meritorious students are left without seats. However, Sivankutty said that there was no seat shortage in the Malabar region.