Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 27
Government schools in the state have recently been subjected to severe public scrutiny and criticism for poor performance after the results of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations 2015 were declared by the NBSE.
Towards this, the Nagaland Government Higher Secondary School Employees Association (NGHSSEA) initiated a seminar in an attempt to reflect on the results produced by the 41 existing Government Higher Secondary Schools as a case study. The day-long seminar, held at the De Oriental Grand, Kohima on Wednesday, was conducted as an exercise to explore the possibility of working out a more effective academic and administrative strategy at school level, and also deliberated on the challenges faced by teachers and administrators.
The programme was attended by officials of the Department of School Education (DoSE), district education officers, GHSS principals and teachers from across the state and NGHSSEA members.
During the seminar, the association members adopted a three-point resolution towards imparting quality education in the state. These include a pledge to rededicate themselves to their service with passion and conviction; Not to indulge in practices such as proxy, absenteeism, and any other activity that contradicts the ethics of teaching profession; and to apprise the government to ensure responsibility and accountability at all levels in the department. Commissioner & secretary Higher & Technical Education, School Education & SCERT, FP Solo, in his address as the guest of honour of the programme said the workshop is being organized at an appropriate time and the topic most relevant to the present situation. He called upon the teaching community not to be complacent just because they have the necessary professional qualifications to teach but to constantly update their skills. “As teachers, you should have the passion not only for teaching but also for learning and acquiring more knowledge and skills,” the official exhorted the gathering.
He pointed out that continuous comprehensive evaluation system should be applied not just to students but to teachers as well.
Underscoring the need for capacity building and refresher courses to strengthen the component of teacher education, Solo said the department will seek collaboration with the NBSE to plan out a curriculum for teachers to improve their proficiency.
On the 2015 results of the 41 GHSS, he said some schools have performed well but most of them, particularly those in the educationally backward areas need a lot of improvement. He said there is a strong need to deliberate on how to improve the education system for these areas.
The pass percentage disparity between students of HSLC and HSSLC of government schools also has to be analysed, he said.
The official also urged the teaching community to keep in mind the bigger picture of education and not compartmentalize the education into segments like primary, elementary, high school or higher secondary levels, since they are the different components of a composite school.
He said the government is contemplating to bring some changes so as to make teaching an attractive career option. However, he pointed out that while many government teachers have been committed to their profession, there are some have not been performing well and they have brought bad name to the department as well as their schools. Solo also expressed concern that many teachers seem to prefer to be posted in the directorate rather than in schools. He reminded that teaching is a serious profession and comes with a heavy responsibility, yet the results of a teacher’s hard work is rewarding as the society’s future depend on them.
The NGHSSEA also acknowledged the best performing GHSS of 2015- GHSS Peren for achieving 74.42% in HSLC, GHSS Jalukie for attaining 85.61% in HSSLC (Arts stream), Ruzhukhrie GHSS Kohima 86.11% (commerce stream) and Mayangnokcha GHSS Mokokchung 94.9% (science stream).
Earlier, the NGHSSEA president Kelhikha Kenye delivered the keynote address, while School Education director Zaveyi Nyekha and joint director Wonthungo Tsopoe also exhorted the gathering.
In the afternoon session, NBSE chairperson Asano Sekhose was the resource person.
