Special classes for Class X students writing supplementary exams

In line with efforts to reduce dropouts, the school education department has decided to conduct special classes for Class X students who failed or were absent in the public examinations.

Under the Thodarndhu Karpom programme, under the supervision of the integrated education department, these students will be provided with minimum learning material to pass the exam, apart from weekly tests, said a report by The new Indian Express.

The classes, conducted by the graduated teachers in the government schools, will begin after the declaration of results and continue till the supplementary examination.

Government schools have been asked to identify absentees and principals have been directed to ensure that these students register for the supplementary examination.

According to the examination board, nearly 17,500 students were absent from the Class X exams. Last year, the department identified 45,000 students who were absent or failed the exam.

Teachers will also update the students’ progress in the Education Management Information System (EMIS) for the officials to monitor. The integrated education department will allocate funds to the district for printing the minimum learning materials.

“The department also plans to engage educationists and volunteers to motivate the students to continue their studies. The district education officers will be given a block each to oversee the program. They will also be responsible for getting these students to classes. will also create wide publicity for the program so that parents are aware of the initiative,” said a department official.

At the school level, the school management committee members will be deployed to recruit parents to send their children to these classes. Each member is assigned two students for this purpose.

Volunteers from Illam Thedi Kalvi and Vasippu Iyakkam will also be involved in the initiative, officials said.