New Delhi: There should be no assessment for students up to two-three weeks after reopening of schools, the Ministry of Education said in its guidelines released Monday.
After the Ministry of Home Affairs, under its Unlock 5 guidelines, allowed states to re-open schools in a graded manner from 15 October, the education ministry has issued a set of two-part guidelines.
The first part of the guidelines asks schools to maintain distance between students in the classroom and make arrangements for hygiene and sanitisation. The second part refers to academic aspects, like reintegration of students once they are back in school.
Focus on re-integration of students, online learning
Sharing the guidelines on his official Twitter page, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said, “There will be no assessment till up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening.”
He also said that students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents, and they may opt for online classes rather than physically attend school.
No assessment till up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening. Use of #ICT & online learning shall continue to be encouraged. The SOP also provides for guidelines on ensuring emotion well being of students and teachers with a reference drawn to #Manodarpan initiative.#SchoolGuidelines
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) October 5, 2020
The guidelines, a copy of which was shared by the minister, also added that upon reopening, schools must focus on re-integration of students on a priority basis and special emphasis should be laid on vulnerable students, those who were deprived of online learning during the lockdown.
Schools have been asked to make a comprehensive academic calendar for the entire year, keeping in mind the learning outcomes. “Comprehensive academic plan can be prepared as per guidelines received from the concerned Directorate of Education,” the MoE guidelines read.
It also added that teachers must discuss a clear roadmap of curriculum and modes of learning that need to be adopted. Dates of school based assessment, breaks etc. should be discussed in advance with students, the guideline added.
Teachers have also been asked to work on their technology skills so that they can continue to teach with online learning tools.
Also read: No correlation between schools reopening and surge in Covid cases, new study says
Health & safety aspects
The guidelines also say the schools should have an emergency response team and hygiene inspection team to ensure all safety norms are being followed.
It also asks schools to find out the health and wellness report of teachers and students —whether they were keeping fine and what was their status with respect to Covid-19.
Schools have also been asked to have a full-time health care attendant and ensure regular check-ups for both teachers and students. More sick day leaves and flexible attendance will also be a part of the school’s leave policy.
Even as the home ministry has allowed reopening of schools from 15 October, states and Union Territories have been allowed to take a decision on their own. As reported by ThePrint last week, so far, no other state except Uttar Pradesh has issued directions for a phased re-opening of schools.
Also read: Covid shut schools, but teachers making sure learning is not stopped