Reshma Ravishanker

Remedial classes and training of teachers are among the initiatives underway for improvement of marks in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district which reported the least pass percentage in the SSLC Exams I, results of which were recently announced. 

Results of the SSLC exams I results were announced on May 2. Among the 39,257 students from Kalaburagi who were present for the exams, only 16,658 (42.43%) students passed the exams. This is the least among all districts after Raichur, Yadagir and Vijayapura.

Stakeholders criticized the low pass percentage claiming that initiatives such as Akshar Aavishkar by the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board and education department’s Maru Sinchana did not serve any purpose.

Officials of the department said that a slew of measures are now underway to help students boost their marks in the upcoming SSLC exams II, which will commence on May 26.

“We have started remedial classes in all government Morarji Desai Schools and Urdu Schools in the district. Teachers have been asked to simplify the syllabus and explain it to students in a manner that is easier for them to grasp. Experts have been called in to train teachers adequately as well,” said Suryakanth Madane, deputy director of Public Instruction, Kalaburagi.

He said that the district has 32 Urdu Medium schools from where a maximum of students failed in Kannada language which is taught as a second language. “Additional Kannada teachers are deputed wherever necessary to improve language skills of students,” he said.

As many as 26,000 students would be appearing for the exam again. Some of them are students who have failed to gain the passing mark and others are hoping to improve their scores.

“There are 552 teacher vacancies in government high schools alone. We are battling a shortage of teachers. Student absenteeism is a challenge in rural areas. Students come on alternative days resulting in learning loss. Guest teachers are not as efficient as regular teachers as there is no continuity. Maximum students have failed because they fall short of 5-10 marks. Mathematics, first language, science and English have the least students,” said Madane.