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Delhi schools are initiating the parents into grading system. Apart from studies, students can also score through extra-curricular activities
Parents are hovering around schools with many questions in their minds. No, it is not the season of admissions. The rush of concerned parents is to understand the intricacies of grading system.
Though the prime minister cautioned to go slow on the abolition of class X exam and introduction of grading system, schools in the capital have already started preparing students and parents mentally for the proposed change, scheduled to be incorporated from the next academic year.
To make the system of school-based evaluation of students familiar, Delhi schools are organizing meetings with the parents. As per the new system, report card would comprise of two columns, one for academics and the other for co-scholastic section wherein a student will be graded on life skills such as primarily thinking, social and emotional skills and attitudes and values.
Amrita, whose daughter Urvara is a class IX student at Vandana International School in Dwarka, said, "The parents were told that now they don't only have to encourage their children to study but also to actively participate in the extra-curricular activities."
"Though our parents have not been called formally but teachers have started educating us about the proposed changes. It will not be fair if we are graded on points, which we don't even know about. We hope that parents will also be called soon and told about the new system," said another class IX student, Ravi Mathur of Amity School, Noida.
Speaking on the need to make the parents aware about the grading system, V P Tandon, Chairman, Kamal and Vandana Group of Schools said, "Most of the parents are clueless about the new system. They still believe that primary importance should be given to studies. However, this will not be the case from the next academic session. We are trying to change the mindset of parents at such meets."
Some schools though appreciated the idea are treading cautiously over the subject. "Sensitising teachers and principals will not be enough. This system has the potential to reform the education system provided it is implemented in the right sprit. Apart from parents, students should also be explained about the grading methodology," said Sudha Singh, Principal of Ryan International School in Greater Noida.
The CBSE has prepared the format of an aptitude exam which schools can use to test the students on their level of understanding in each subject. The emphasis, however, will be on continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) through the year instead of a single public exam at the end of Class X.
Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry had in September announced abolition of compulsory CBSE Board exams for class X from next academic year and introduction of grading system.
Grades are in
Grading procedure, which was finalised by a high-level committee headed by CBSE chairman Veenith Joshi, will warrant students to secure more than 33 percent marks to get a certificate.
The nine-point scale will start from A1(with 91-100 marks, exceptional), A2(81-90, excellent), B1(71-80, very good), B2(61-70, good), C1(51-60, fair), C2(41-50, average), D(33-40, below average), E1(21-32, needs improvement) and E2(00-20, unsatisfactory). | 
