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In a significant move, schools in Tamil Nadu will begin replacing marks with grades from the next academic year in a bid to reduce exam stress. The state will thus go the CBSE way to introduce a ‘Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) System’, which lays emphasis on grades and periodic performance assessment rather than an annual exam.

The decision represents a shift from the rote-based system of learning to one centered on holistic development and comes soon after the introduction of a uniform syllabus in line with the National Curriculum Framework.

The grading system will be introduced in a phased manner for classes 1 to 8 from academic year 2012-2013 onwards and for classes 9 and 10 from 2013-2014. The government is also considering doing away with the board exams in classes 10 and 12, according to an order issued by the school education department.

The order, dated September 19, and posted on the government website said, “The CCE in schools is one of the provisions of the Right To Education Act, 2009. As the Act mandates the practice of CCE, the state has resolved to introduce the system in all schools of Tamil Nadu in the best interest of every student.” A state-level expert group formed to evolve and implement evaluation reforms in the state recommended the CCE, the order said.

The new evaluation system will not only test the scholastic achievements of the student, but also skills in physical education, folk arts, yoga, gardening and gymnastics, in addition to life skills, work experience, skill in the visual and performing arts, attitudes and values, personality development and co-curricular activities like scouts and guides, NSS, club activities, indigenous sports and any other unique individual skills.

The system, introduced by the CBSE in 2009, is expected to give children the complete schooling experience, instead of focusing only on academics.

- times of india